Intractable pulmonary fibrosis is a major cause of death in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an important etiological factor in ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis. This study provides convincing evidence that LPS promote lung fibroblast proliferation through autophagy inhibition via activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. Intervention by targeting inhibition of lung fibroblast autophagy may be a constructive means for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
- Tingting Xie
- Qiaoyi Xu
- Zhengyu He
