While the exact cause of IPF is unknown, several factors contribute to its pathogenesis:
- Genetic Predisposition: Mutations in genes such as TERT and TERC, which are involved in telomere maintenance, have been implicated. - Environmental Exposures: Factors such as smoking, exposure to metal and wood dust, and certain viral infections may play a role. - Aberrant Repair Mechanisms: Repeated epithelial cell injury and abnormal wound healing responses lead to excessive fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition.
