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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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Identifying potential drug targets for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a mendelian randomization study based on the

Zetao Liu1,2, Zhiyu Peng1,2, Huahang Lin1,2

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.

Respiratory Research
|May 23, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) may be a promising drug target for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study identified IL-7 as a potential therapeutic target to reduce IPF risk and improve lung function.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease with unknown causes.
  • Discovering new drug targets is crucial for treating IPF and improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify druggable genes associated with IPF susceptibility and progression.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets for IPF using genetic association studies.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Mendelian randomization analysis with cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL) data for druggable genes and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for IPF.
  • Performed colocalization analysis to assess shared causal variants between gene expression and IPF.
  • Validated findings using protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) analysis.

Main Results:

  • Identified 45 druggable genes significantly associated with IPF susceptibility.
  • Found associations between gene expression and reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco) in IPF patients.
  • IL-7 and ABCB2 showed potential shared causal variants with IPF; elevated IL-7 levels were linked to reduced IPF risk.

Conclusions:

  • Interleukin-7 (IL-7) emerges as a highly promising drug target for mitigating IPF risk.
  • This research provides valuable insights for future IPF drug development strategies.
Keywords:
IL-7Druggable genesIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosisMendelian randomization

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