# Comprehensive analysis of molecular characteristic and clinical prognosis of CD8+ T cell related genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

## TL;DR

This study explores how CD8+ T cell-related genes affect the progression and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, identifying potential biomarkers for predicting outcomes.

## Contribution

The study identifies CXCR4, GPR56, and PAK1 as independent prognostic factors linked to CD8+ T cells in IPF.

## Key findings

- CD8+ T cell-related genes were associated with IPF prognosis and used to establish molecular typing characteristics.
- CXCR4, GPR56, and PAK1 were validated as independent prognostic factors in IPF.
- Abnormal expression of these genes was confirmed in TGF-β1 treated IPF models at both mRNA and protein levels.

## Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, life-threatening interstitial lung disease whose pathogenesis remains unclear. There is evidence showing the possible role of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of IPF and the correlation with the clinical symptoms of IPF. In order to further explore the role of CD8+ T cells in IPF, we screened CD8+ T cell related genes (CRG) that are associated with IPF prognosis, and established the molecular typing characteristics of IPF. Subsequently, CXCR4, GPR56 and PAK1 were screened as independent prognostic factors. Expression profiles and multivariate analysis coefficients were used to establish and validate prognostic features of IPF. Immuno-infiltration characteristics of the established feature were also analyzed. Subsequent in vitro experiments verified the abnormal expressions of three independent prognostic factors in TGF-β1 treated IPF model at protein and mRNA levels. Our findings shed new light on the important role of CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of IPF and provide potential targets for predicting prognosis and possible future clinical applications.