Notably, the differentially expressed proteins in the NTM compared to the LTBI group were significantly enriched in lipid metabolism-related molecules (apolipoprotein APOC3, thyroxine transport protein TTR), vascular regulatory proteins (VWF, THBS4), and extracellular matrix components (ECM2, SPARC), with APOC3 showing significant downregulation, a finding that aligns closely with the lipid metabolic disorder characteristics unique to NTM infection. The gene discussed is ECM2; the disease is Disorder of lipid metabolism.