IPF is often associated with a dysfunctional telomerase and in some cases with the shelterin genes TIN2 and TPP1 and the helicase RTEL1 (Hoffman et al., 2016; Antoniou et al., 2013; Armanios, 2012; Armanios et al., 2007; Dai et al., 2015; Dressen et al., 2018; Herrmann, 2008; Le Saux et al., 2013; Tsang et al., 2012; Waisberg et al., 2010; Waisberg et al., 2012; Zheng et al., 2018; Kannengiesser et al., 2015; Du et al., 2018). This evidence concerns the gene TPP1 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.