Digital quantification of p16-positive foci in fibrotic interstitial lung disease is associated with a phenotype of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with reduced survival.

We demonstrated the potential clinical applicability of a standardized quantification of p16-positive fibroblastic foci. This method identifies an IPF phenotype associated with foci-specific upregulation of senescence-associated and matrix remodeling gene expression. While these patients have reduced LTx-free survival, good response to antifibrotic therapies was observed in those who were treated.