Since 2005, GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been developed as therapeutic agents for Type 2 diabetes. GLP-1R is not only expressed in pancreatic islets but also in other organs, especially the lung. Extra-pancreatic expression of GLP-1R triggered intensive investigations on extra-pancreatic functions of GLP-1RAs, aiming to repurpose them into therapeutic agents for other disorders. Intensive studies have demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory features of GLP-1RAs. Whether those features are directly mediated by GLP-1R expressed in majority of immune cells remains controversial. Following a brief review on GLP-1 as incretin and the development of GLP-1RAs as therapeutic agents, we summarized our current understanding on anti-inflammatory features of GLP-1RAs. The main part of this review is literature discussions on GLP-1RA utilization in chronic and acute lung injuries, including studies on combined use of MSC-based therapy and the GLP-1RA liraglutide in LPS-induced acute lung injury. This is followed by a summary and perspective.