Previous studies in IPF have shown that neutrophil attraction and activation markers, such as IL-8 (interleukin-8) and G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), are increased in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and sputum, and that they may predict future exacerbations in IPF [16]. The gene discussed is CXCL8; the disease is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.