It is noteworthy that our machine learning model revealed that the contribution of CXCL14 to IPF prediction (mean SHAP value = 0.38) far exceeds that of traditional biomarker MMP7 (mean SHAP value = 0.12), challenging the previous view that matrix metalloproteinases are the core driving factors of IPF (34). Here, CXCL14 is linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.