This resulted in the predicted increase in gene expression of the entire CXCR4/CXCL12/CXCL14 axis, a response which was exclusive to the IPF fibroblasts and not observed in normal fibroblasts, indicative of an increased sensitivity of the IPF fibroblast to oxidative stress. Here, CXCL12 is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.