In conclusion, our study constructed and validated an autophagy-associated prognostic model based on MYC, MAPK1, IRGM, PRKCQ, and FOXO1. We also found that MYC, MAPK1, IRGM, PRKCQ, and FOXO1 may influence the progression of IPF by regulating immune responses and immune cells. Here, IRGM is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.