PROS1/AXL signaling protects mice from lethal influenza infection by inducing M2 macrophage polarization

• PROS1 administration protects mice from lethal influenza infection by activating AXL signaling. • PROS1/AXL signaling induces M2 macrophage polarization via Gab1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. • Gab1 knockdown or PI3K inhibition abolishes the protective effect of PROS1, confirming the pathway's necessity. • The PROS1/AXL axis represents a novel therapeutic target for influenza infection and associated lung injury.