Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung. Their diagnosis is often complex and requires the integration of clinical, radiological, and sometimes invasive findings. In many cases, it remains difficult to distinguish between ILD subtypes at an early stage and to predict which patients will benefit most from anti-inflammatory or anti-fibrotic therapies.
This project investigates whether functional autoantibodies, particularly IgG antibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), can help to better characterize ILD subtypes and their underlying disease mechanisms. Previous work has shown that such antibodies are not only detectable in autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis, but can also actively modulate inflammatory and fibrotic pathways. By isolating patient-derived IgG fractions and testing their effects in established cell-based assays, we aim to identify disease-specific immune signatures linked to distinct ILD entities.
Using well-characterized serum samples from patients with systemic sclerosis-associated ILD and other ILD forms, the project combines functional in vitro assays, secretome profiling, and AI-guided data analysis. The goal is to distinguish clinically relevant ILD subgroups, uncover antibody-driven pathogenic pathways, and support earlier, more precise patient stratification. In the long term, this approach may contribute to more personalized treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients with ILD.