Described herein is a method of treating a viral infection such as an influenza infection, in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition to disrupt a adenosine receptor pathway, such as the Aradenosine receptor pathway, in a subject. The adenosine receptor pathway includes the steps of 1) producing the adenosine precursor adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2) releasing ATP into the extracel lular space, 3) enzymatic conversion of ATP to adenosine, 4) activation of the adenosine receptor and the adenosine receptor cascade, and 5) clearance of adenosine from the extracellular space by degradation or uptake into a cell. The method includes affecting at least one of these steps so as to decrease the activation of the adenosine receptor pathway. This may be accomplished by decreasing the production, release, or conversion of ATP to adenosine, decreasing the expression of the adenosine receptor, antagonizing adenosine receptor activation, and/or increasing adenosine clearance.
