Göran Bertil Stening

Inhibition of Influenza Virus Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase by Ribavirin Triphosphate

Ribavirin 5′-triphosphate (RTP), derived from the broad-spectrum antiviral compound ribavirin (Virazole), can selectively inhibit influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay. Ribavirin and its 5′-monophosphate have no effect on the polymerase. The inhibition is competitive with respect to adenosine 5′-triphosphate and guanosine 5′-triphosphate. RTP also inhibits ApG- and GpC-stimulated influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase. Since ribavirin is phosphorylated in the cell, the inhibition of influenza multiplication in the cell may also be caused by RTP.

9-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)guanine, a new inhibitor of herpesvirus multiplication.

A new compound, 9-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)guanine, has been synthesized and its antiherpes activity determined. 9-(3,4-Dihydroxybutyl)guanine was selectively phosphorylated by herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase and had a high affinity for this enzyme, with an inhibition constant of 1.5 microM. In cell culture, replication of different strains of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 was inhibited to the extent of 50% by 4 to 18 microM (RS)-9-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)guanine. The (R)-enantiomer of this compound was more inhibitory than the (S)-enantiomer. Herpesvirus DNA synthesis was selectively inhibited by (RS)-9-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)guanine in infected cells, and a low cellular toxicity was observed. (RS)-9-(3,4-Dihydroxybutyl)guanine had a therapeutic effect when applied topically to guinea pigs with cutaneous herpes simplex type 1 infections and to rabbits with herpes keratitis. Oral treatment of a generalized herpes simplex type 2 infection in mice had a therapeutic effect.

The effect of pyrophosphate analogues on influenza virus RNA polymerase and influenza virus multiplication

SummaryAnalogues of pyrophosphate have been tested as inhibitors of influenza virus RNA polymerase activity in cell-free assays. The most active compound, phosphonoformic acid (PFA), reduced the polymerase activity to 50 per cent at a concentration of 20 µm. The inhibition was dependent on the type of divalent cation present in the assay. PFA at a concentration of 400 µm also inhibited the influenza virus plaque formation by 90 per cent.

Inhibition of reverse transcriptase activity of avian myeloblastosis virus by pyrophosphate analogues

Several pyrophosphate analogues have been studied for their effects on avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase and on cellular DNA polymerase alpha. Examination of structure-activity relationships for these compounds revealed that two acidic groups connected by a short bridge were necessary, but not sufficient, for inhibition of the enzyme activities. Foscarnet sodium (trisodium phosphonoformate) was the most potent inhibitor of reverse transcriptase, giving non-competitive inhibition of reactions primed by (rA)n . (dT)12-18, (rC)n . (dG)12-18, (dC)n . (dG)12-18, and activated DNA. Carbonyldiphosphonate and 2-hydroxyphosphonoacetate also caused non-competitive inhibition patterns, whereas hypophosphate and imidodiphosphonate inhibited AMV reverse transcriptase in a competitive, non-linear manner. The reverse transcriptase reactions directed by (rA)n . (dT)12-18 and activated DNA were most affected by the non-competitive inhibitors. Hypophosphate and imidodiphosphonate inhibited preferentially reactions primed by (dC)n . (dG)12-18 and activated DNA. In all cases the (rC)n . (dG)12-18 directed reaction was the least affected.

The Synthesis and Antiherpetic Activity of DHBG and Some Analogs

Abstract Several acyclic guanosine analogs have been synthesized and tested for antiviral activity.