The observed increased AKT activation in BAL cells is in agreement with previously reported elevated basal levels of PI3K activity [19] and consistent also with the increased anti-apoptotic profile of IPF macrophages [20]: AKT is activated by P13K phosphorylation and subsequently functions as a serine/threonine kinase involved in multiple cellular processes including cell proliferation, inflammation, survival and glucose metabolism [21]. This evidence concerns the gene MARK2 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.