Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impairs classical swine fever virus (CSFV) replication in monocytic cells, which are primary targets for CSFV and mediators of virus-induced immunomodulation. Although soluble antiviral factors including interferons (IFN) were not detected, IFN-alpha and IFN-beta mRNA were induced. The serine threonine protein kinase inhibitor 2-aminopurine, impeded this antiviral activity. These results indicate that the LPS-induced antiviral state employs signaling pathways, in which the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is actively involved.