Semi-quantitative evaluation of ACE2 expression scoring showed elevated ACE2 expression in all IPF sections compared to control, reaching statistical significance in the IPF small airway sections (Fig. 2j), suggesting that while overall ACE2 expression is low, there is a regional concentration of ACE2 + cells within the distal IPF lung that may promote a more severe localized viral response. Here, ACE2 is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.