Immuno-modulating properties of saliphenylhalamide, SNS-032, obatoclax, and gemcitabine

•Several anti-IAV drugs are available and dozens are in development.•We developed method for analysis of immuno-modulating properties of anti-IAV agents.•Gemcitabine, but not SaliPhe, SNS-032 and obatoclax allowed activation of immune responses.•Gemcitabine may protect infected patients against co- and re-infections.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) impact the public health and global economy by causing yearly epidemics and occasional pandemics. Several anti-IAV drugs are available and many are in development. However, the question remains which of these antiviral agents may allow activation of immune responses and protect patients against co- and re-infections. To answer to this question, we analysed immuno-modulating properties of the antivirals saliphenylhalamide (SaliPhe), SNS-032, obatoclax, and gemcitabine, and found that only gemcitabine did not impair immune responses in infected cells. It also allowed activation of innate immune responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and interferon alpha (IFNα)-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, immuno-mediators produced by gemcitabine-treated IAV-infected macrophages were able to prime immune responses in non-infected cells. Thus, we identified an antiviral agent which might be beneficial for treatment of patients with severe viral infections.