We show that SEPT2 is inversely correlated with the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-12 p40 in clinical PBMC samples (Fig. 7j, k), and the small molecule compounds IXA4 and APY29 could activate SEPT2 expression and effectively alleviate the proinflammatory cytokine burst in influenza patients (Fig. 7l–n), indicating that SEPT2 is a promising target for viral infection-induced cytokine storms. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is influenza.