AUTHOR=Liu Suqi , Xi Qian , Li Xuannian , Liu Huaman 

TITLE=Mitochondrial dysfunction and alveolar type II epithelial cell senescence: The destroyer and rescuer of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2025.1535601

DOI=10.3389/fcell.2025.1535601

ISSN=2296-634X

ABSTRACT=Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic respiratory disease with an unknown origin and complex pathogenic mechanisms. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is essential for effective treatment. Pulmonary fibrosis is associated with the senescence of alveolar type II epithelial (ATⅡ) cells. Additionally, ATⅡ senescence can lead to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which affects cellular communication and disrupts lung tissue repair, contributing to the development of IPF. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in senescence-related diseases is increasingly recognized. It can induce ATⅡ senescence through apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and disrupted energy metabolism, potentially playing a key role in IPF progression. This article explores the therapeutic potential of targeting cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction, emphasizing their significant roles in IPF pathogenesis.