%0 Journal Article
%T Research progress of KL-6 in respiratory system diseases.
%A Gao Y
%A Du T
%A Yang L
%A Wu L
%J Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 May 21
%M 38773736
%F 7.721
%R 10.1080/10408363.2024.2350374
%X This article comprehensively elucidates the discovery of Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), its structural features, functional mechanisms, and the current research status in various respiratory system diseases. Discovered in 1985, KL-6 was initially considered a tumor marker, but its elevated levels in interstitial lung disease (ILD) led to its recognition as a relevant serum marker for ILD. KL-6 is primarily produced by type 2 alveolar epithelial cell regeneration. Over the past 30 years since the discovery of KL-6, the number of related research papers has steadily increased annually. Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a sudden surge in relevant literature. Despite KL-6's potential as a biomarker, its value in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis varies across different respiratory diseases, including ILD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), COVID-19, and lung cancer. Therefore, as an important serum biomarker in respiratory system diseases, the value of KL-6 still requires further investigation.