IRF7 and acute respiratory distress syndrome: Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant involvement of immune-inflammatory pathways, including “TNF signaling,” “Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,” and “NOD-like receptor signaling.” Additionally, we identified 10 core genes (e.g., CLEC4E, IRF7, ISG15) potentially central to AM-mediated ALI/ARDS pathogenesis.