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As specialized antigen-presenting cells, alveolar macrophages play an important role in host immune defense and adaptive immune response. After local infection caused by pathogens which colonize lung tissue, alveolar macrophages can recognize and engulf pathogens through pattern recognition receptors on their surface. In severe cases, the marophages may be further activated to present the ingested antigenic material to adaptive immune cells, and can be converted into a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotype depending on changes in the tissue microenvironment.By releasing relevant signaling factors, immune responses could regulate lung inflammation injury and tissue repair.