In line with lower collagen, AAV9-Tert treated lungs also showed significantly less αSMA-positive myofibroblasts compared to empty vector-treated mice, in agreement with the fact that these cells are associated with collagen deposition in human IPF patients (Figure 2F,G), thus suggesting an inactivation of fibrotic foci upon Tert treatment. Here, ACTA1 is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.