[HSP27: A new target for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?].

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal disease without therapeutic options. The development of new therapeutic strategies for the disease is needed. IPF is characterized by myofibroblast accumulation and collagen overproduction. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine activating these pathological processes. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial regulators and promote TGF-β1 activity. Among them, HSP27 is overexpressed in animal models and in the lung of patients with IPF. HSP27 activates pro-fibrotic mechanisms and therefore may represents a potential target. Strategies aiming to inhibit HSP27 might pave the way towards new treatment options for patients with IPF.