Cell experiments further confirmed that spore exposure activated multiple inflammation‐related pathways in alveolar macrophages, including the key inflammatory regulatory pathway – NF‐κB,[58] and the caspase cascade pathway leading to cell apoptosis triggered by TNF‐α.[59] Persistent pneumonia may lead to various lung diseases, including lung fibrosis,[60] asthma,[61] chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis.[62]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is pulmonary fibrosis.