In the current manuscript, we have identified a novel role for NFATc3 in the regulation of inflammatory genes produced by macrophages during murine sepsis-induced ALI, and inhibiting NFATc3 activation with the high affinity CP9-ZIZIT peptide notably attenuated pulmonary edema and lung wet to dry weight ratios during LPS inhalation-induced ALI in mice. The gene discussed is NFATC3; the disease is acute respiratory distress syndrome.