Lung microbiome linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via TLR5 receptor (nature.com)

• Mutation in TLR5 gene increases susceptibility to IPF in mice.
• TLR5 normally stops overgrowth of harmful bacteria after lung injury.
• Activating TLR5 with a treatment prevented fibrosis in mouse model.

"Researchers found that a mutation in the toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) gene is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by allowing harmful bacteria to overgrow in the lungs. Mice with the mutation were more susceptible to IPF, and activating TLR5 prevented fibrosis in a mouse model. The study highlights the role of the lung microbiome in IPF pathogenesis."