ADAMTS2 is an ECM-remodeling metalloproteinase with emerging immunomodulatory roles and may influence inflammatory injury and epithelial barrier stability via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.<h4>Methods</h4>Transcriptome sequencing of peripheral blood samples from ARDS patients revealed elevated ADAMTS2 expression. This evidence concerns the gene ADAMTS2 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.