This review briefly discusses the mechanism of action of ATF3 and its effects on biological functions and cellular processes, with a special focus on the role of ATF3 in acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and with an overall aim to identify new targets for the treatment of inflammatory pulmonary diseases. The gene discussed is ATF3; the disease is acute lung injury.