The mechanisms that lead to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or lung scarring, is not clear. Victor Thannickal and his colleagues have now provided further insight by showing that induction of NOX4, an enzyme that creates reactive oxygen species, is required for the progression of the disease. Their findings suggest NOX4 as a potential target to treat this common ailment that currently has no proven treatment options.
- Louise Hecker
- Ragini Vittal
- Victor J Thannickal
