To validate whether the hub genes are involved in ARDS, the mRNA levels of IFIH1, IRF1, IFIT3, GBP1, and STAT1 in BALF from patients with ARDS (n=6) and mechanically ventilated patients without ARDS (postoperative patients, n=6) were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Here, IRF1 is linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome.