The number of PAFR positive type 2 pneumocytes per mm2 in alveolar area is significantly higher in IPF (median 498,525 cells per mm2, range 189,449–1,463,564 cells per mm2) compared to NC (median 227,150 cells per mm2, range 34,483–463,444 cells per mm2, p = 0.0017) (Figure 3C), and in contrast, the number of PAFR negative type 2 pneumocytes is significantly higher in NC (median 334,189 cells per mm2, range 158,333–445,101 cells per mm2) compared to IPF (median 96,519 cells per mm2, range 20,930–825,189 cells per mm2, p = 0.0017) (Figure 3D). This evidence concerns the gene PTAFR and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.