In CD68 positive areas of SSc-ILD samples, a significantly higher percentage of TLR4, CD163, CD204, and CD206 positive cells was observed compared to CD80 and CD86 positive cells (p<0.001 in both cases), suggesting the possible presence of hybrid TLR4+M2 macrophages (CD68+CD80-CD86-TLR4+CD163+CD204+CD206+cells) in SSc-ILD samples. This evidence concerns the gene CD68 and systemic sclerosis.