New Class Of Antiviral Compounds Research Articles

Antiviral activity of amide-appended α-hydroxytropolones against herpes simplex virus-1 and -2.

α-Hydroxytropolones (αHTs) have potent antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in cell culture, including against acyclovir-resistant mutants, and as a result have the potential to be developed as antiviral drugs targeting these viruses. We recently described a convenient final-step amidation strategy to their synthesis, and this was used to generate 57 amide-substituted αHTs that were tested against hepatitis B virus. The following manuscript describes the evaluation of this library against HSV-1, as well as a subset against HSV-2. The structure-function analysis obtained from these studies demonstrates the importance of lipophilicity and rigidity to αHT-based anti-HSV potency, consistent with our prior work on smaller libraries. We used this information to synthesize and test a targeted library of 4 additional amide-appended αHTs. The most potent of this new series had a 50% effective concentration (EC50) for viral inhibition of 72 nM, on par with the most potent αHT antivirals we have found to date. Given the ease of synthesis of amide-appended αHTs, this new class of antiviral compounds and the chemistry to make them should be highly valuable in future anti-HSV drug development.

Discovery of a new class of antiviral compounds: Camphor imine derivatives

A new class of compounds featuring a camphor moiety has been discovered that exhibits potent inhibitory activity against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H5N1) viruses. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analysis; in addition the structures of compound 2 and 14 were elucidated by the X-ray diffraction technique. Structure–activity relationship studies have been conducted to identify the 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes2-ylidene group as the key functional group responsible for the observed antiviral activity. The most potent antiviral compound is imine 2 with therapeutic index more than 500.

Inhibition of adenovirus replication by a trisubstituted piperazin-2-one derivative

The number of disseminated adenovirus (Ad) infections continues to increase mostly due to the growing use of immunosuppressive treatments. Recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants, mainly in pediatric units, exhibit a high morbidity and mortality due to these infections. Unfortunately, there are no Ad-specific antiviral drugs currently approved for medical use. To address this situation, we used high-throughput screening (HTS) of synthetic small molecule libraries to identify compounds that restrict Ad infection. Among the more than 25,000 compounds screened, we identified a hit compound that significantly inhibited Ad infection. The compound (15D8) is a trisubstituted piperazin-2-one derivative that showed substantial antiviral activity with little or no cytotoxicity at low micromolar concentrations. Compound 15D8 selectively inhibits Ad DNA replication in the nucleus, providing a potential candidate for the development of a new class of antiviral compounds to treat Ad infections.

Discovery of Novel Small-Molecule HIV-1 Replication Inhibitors That Stabilize Capsid Complexes

The identification of novel antiretroviral agents is required to provide alternative treatment options for HIV-1-infected patients. The screening of a phenotypic cell-based viral replication assay led to the identification of a novel class of 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazol-6-one (pyrrolopyrazolone) HIV-1 inhibitors, exemplified by two compounds: BI-1 and BI-2. These compounds inhibited early postentry stages of viral replication at a step(s) following reverse transcription but prior to 2 long terminal repeat (2-LTR) circle formation, suggesting that they may block nuclear targeting of the preintegration complex. Selection of viruses resistant to BI-2 revealed that substitutions at residues A105 and T107 within the capsid (CA) amino-terminal domain (CANTD) conferred high-level resistance to both compounds, implicating CA as the antiviral target. Direct binding of BI-1 and/or BI-2 to CANTD was demonstrated using isothermal titration calorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shift titration analyses. A high-resolution crystal structure of the BI-1:CANTD complex revealed that the inhibitor bound within a recently identified inhibitor binding pocket (CANTD site 2) between CA helices 4, 5, and 7, on the surface of the CANTD, that also corresponds to the binding site for the host factor CPSF-6. The functional consequences of BI-1 and BI-2 binding differ from previously characterized inhibitors that bind the same site since the BI compounds did not inhibit reverse transcription but stabilized preassembled CA complexes. Hence, this new class of antiviral compounds binds CA and may inhibit viral replication by stabilizing the viral capsid.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of Eupatorium Perfoliatum L. towards anti-Influenza A-activity leads to dicaffeoyl quinic acids

Ethanolic extracts from Eupatorium perfoliatum L. (Asteraceae) are traditionally used for fever treatment. Furthermore reports on the use against viral-associated common colds are documented (Contramutan®). An ethanol-water extract (62%) from E. perfoliatum was found to be active in MTT and plaque reduction assay against influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1v 2009 with an IC50 of approx. 55µg/mL due to an inhibition of viral entry. Bioassay-guided fractionation towards the active compounds led to the isolation of active fraction B (IC50 approx. 48µg/mL). Further fractionation of B into EtOAc- and MeOH-soluble subfractions yielded 2 antiviral multicomponent fractions C and D, resp. The antiviral activity found in the ethanolic extract was due to compounds interacting with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Treatment of fraction D with PVP and subsequent LC-MS studies revealed a drastic reduction of peaks, which should hence comprise the antiviral compound. The respective peaks were assigned to dicaffeoyl quinic acids and flavonole glycosides. Isolation and in vitro testing of these compounds to verify this result towards the development of a new class of antiviral compounds leads to 3 yet unidentified dicaffeoyl quinic acids. Summarizing, the traditional use of extracts from E. perfoliatum against viral respiratory diseases seems to be justified, due to the presence of polyphenolic components with antiviral activity.

A novel Hepatitis C virus p7 ion channel inhibitor, BIT225, inhibits bovine viral diarrhea virus in vitro and shows synergism with recombinant interferon-α-2b and nucleoside analogues

The novel small molecule, BIT225 ( N-[5-(1-methyl-1 H-pyrazol-4-yl)-napthalene-2-carbonyl]-guanidine: CAS No. 917909-71-8), was initially identified using a screening strategy designed to detect inhibitors of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) p7 ion channel activity. Here we report that BIT225 has potent stand-alone antiviral activity against the HCV model pestivirus bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) with an IC 50 of 314 nM. Combinations of BIT225 with recombinant interferon alpha-2b (rIFNα-2b) show synergistic antiviral action against BVDV and the synergy is further enhanced by addition of ribavirin. Synergy was also observed between BIT225 and two nucleoside analogues known to inhibit the HCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. BIT225 has successfully completed a phase Ia dose escalating, single dose safety trial in healthy volunteers and a phase Ib/IIa trial to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of repeated dosing for selected doses of BIT225 in HCV-infected persons. A modest, but statistically significant drop in patient viral load was detected over the 7 days of dosing (ref. www.biotron.com.au). Given the critical role of the p7 protein in the HCV life cycle and pathogenicity, our data indicate that molecules like BIT225, representing a new class of antiviral compounds, may be developable for therapeutic use against HCV infection, either as monotherapy, or in combination with other HCV drugs.

ChemInform Abstract: Azolo[5,1‐c]‐1,2,4‐triazines as a New Class of Antiviral Compounds

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.

Broad and potent anti-influenza virus spectrum of epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate-monopalmitate

Numerous influenza pandemics in the last century resulted in the death of millions of people worldwide. With the current and future threats of influenza pandemics development of new antiviral compounds remains a great demand. However, currently only a limited number of drugs are available for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. A neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor, oseltamivir phosphate, is the most commonly used antiviral drug. However, a number of reports suggest the emergence of oseltamivir phosphate resistance in new seasonal influenza viruses and highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) (for example, de Jong et al, 2005). (–)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG: 1), a major component of green tea plant (Camellia sinensis), has been recognized to possess antiviral properties. Reports on the anti-influenza activity of 1 found that it inhibited virus adsorption (Nakayama et al, 1993), as well as acidification of endosomes and lysosomes (Imanishi et al, 2002). Such virus inhibition activity is different from other current NA or proton pump inhibitors, suggesting that 1 can be developed into a new class of antiviral compounds that are effective against current drug resistant influenza strains. However, 1 has not been used as an antiviral compound because of its poor lipid membrane permeability and low chemical stability. It was previously reported that the introduction of long alkyl chain groups to 1 improved its lipid membrane permeability (Tanaka et al, 1998), while protection of its hydroxyl groups with acyl groups increased its chemical stability under physiological conditions (Lam et al, 2004). Recently, we reported a method to synthesize EGCG-fatty acid monoesters using lipase-catalyzed transesterification and demonstrated that EGCG-fatty acids monoesters possessed improved influenza virus inhibitory effect against influenza A/PR8/34/(H1N1) in an alkyl length dependent manner (Mori et al, 2008). Here, we investigated the spectrum of influenza virus inhibition activity of EGCG (1) and EGCG-C-16 (2). As shown in Figures 1a, 2 is a mixture of four regio-isomers and the ratio of each regio-isomer 2a:2b:2c:2d is 38:35:7:20, respectively. Because the B-ring-modified esters (2a and 2b) and D-ring-modified esters (2c and 2d) showed exactly the same antiviral activities (data not shown), we used the mixture of four regio-isomers (2a-d) in the following assays. Figure 1. A. Chemical structure of EGCG (1) and EGCG-C16 (2). 2 is a mixture of four regio-isomers (2a-d). 2a: R2=R3= R4=H, R1= CO(CH)14CH3, 2b: R1=R3=R4=H, R2= CO(CH)14CH3, 2c: R1=R2=R4=H, R3= CO(CH)14CH3, 2d: R1=R2=R3=H, R4= CO(CH)14CH3. B. Avian influenza virus ... A series of human influenza viruses, an experimental strain (A/Puerto Rico/8/34/(H1N1)), vaccine strains (A/Beijing/262/95/(H1N1), A/Panama/2007/99/(H3N2), and B/Yamanashi/166/98/), drug-resistant strains (Yokohama/77/2008/(H1N1) OPR: oseltamivir phosphate-resistant (OPR), Yokohama/63/2007/(H1N1) AR: amantadine-resistant (AR), A/Yokohama/91/2008/(H1N1) OPR/AR: (OPR/AR) and avian pathogenic influenza (A/Duck/Hong Kong/342/78/(H5N2)), were directly incubated with 1 or 2 for 30 min prior to inoculation into MDCK cells. The cells were inoculated with virus, with or without the compounds, for 1hr, and the direct virus inhibitory effects were assessed by a plaque formation assay at 54hr post-incubation. The plaque inhibition activity was calculated relative to no compound. The cytotoxicity of compounds on MDCK cells were evaluated by the MTT cell proliferation assay. Briefly, the cells were incubated with 1 or 2 for 24hr for the MTT assay. The results of the plaque inhibition assay and MTT assay are expressed as mean ± standard error of three independent experiments. We also investigated the virus inhibition activity of 1 and 2 on avian influenza A/Duck/Hong Kong/342/78 (H5N2) virus in ovo using 11-day-old chicken embryonated eggs (n=12) inoculated with compound-treated or untreated viruses. As shown in Table 1, both 1 and 2 showed broad virus inhibitory effects on MDCK cells. The EC50 values of 2 on these viruses were between 10 to 61nM, which were approximately 7.1 to 44-fold lower than those of 1. The CC50 value of 2 was 82μM, which was only 3.1-fold lower than that of 1 (255 μM). Thus, the SI value of 2 was improved 2.2 to 14-fold compared to 1. Table 1. Direct virus inhibitory effect of 1 and 2 based on the plaque formation assay With respect to the avian influenza virus inhibition assay in ovo, virus treated with 1, zanamivir, or oseltamivir phosphate showed a moderate viral inhibitory effect (Figures 1b). However, 2 almost completely inhibited the infection (Figures. 1b), and the efficacy was retained even at 0.1μM (data not shown). In summary, 2 inhibited human and avian influenza A and B viruses, including drug-resistant viruses. 2 was found to be more effective than neuraminidase inhibitors, and strongly inhibited the infection of avian influenza (H5N2) virus in chicken embryonated eggs. This unique viral inhibitory action has the potential to be utilized to effectively control a broad spectrum of influenza viruses.

Hsp90 inhibitors reduce influenza virus replication in cell culture

The viral RNA polymerase complex of influenza A virus consists of three subunits PB1, PB2 and PA. Recently, the cellular chaperone Hsp90 was shown to play a role in nuclear import and assembly of the trimeric polymerase complex by binding to PB1 and PB2. Here we show that Hsp90 inhibitors, geldanamycin or its derivative 17-AAG, delay the growth of influenza virus in cell culture resulting in a 1–2 log reduction in viral titre early in infection. We suggest that this is caused by the reduced half-life of PB1 and PB2 and inhibition of nuclear import of PB1 and PA which lead to reduction in viral RNP assembly. Hsp90 inhibitors may represent a new class of antiviral compounds against influenza viruses.

Azolo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazines as a new class of antiviral compounds

Synthetic methods, reactivity, and the properties of a new class of antiviral compounds, pyrazolo-, imidazo-, 1,2,4-triazolo[5,1-c]-1,2,4-triazinones, tetrazolo[5,1-b]-1,2,4-triazinones, and azoloannulated amino-1,2,4-triazines having structural similarity with biogenic purines and capable of mimicking them in metabolic processes are considered.

Potent in vivo antiviral activity of the herpes simplex virus primase-helicase inhibitor BAY 57-1293.

BAY 57-1293 belongs to a new class of antiviral compounds and inhibits replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and type 2 in the nanomolar range in vitro by abrogating the enzymatic activity of the viral primase-helicase complex. In various rodent models of HSV infection the antiviral activity of BAY 57-1293 in vivo was found to be superior compared to all compounds currently used to treat HSV infections. The compound shows profound antiviral activity in murine and rat lethal challenge models of disseminated herpes, in a murine zosteriform spread model of cutaneous disease, and in a murine ocular herpes model. It is active in parenteral, oral, and topical formulations. BAY 57-1293 continued to demonstrate efficacy when the onset of treatment was initiated after symptoms of herpetic disease were already apparent.

Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus replication by a benzimidazole L-riboside: novel antiviral mechanism of 5, 6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-beta-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole.

Although a number of antiviral drugs inhibit replication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in cell culture, and acyclovir (ACV) suppresses replication in vivo, currently available drugs have not proven effective for treatment of EBV-associated diseases other than oral hairy leukoplakia. Benzimidazole riboside compounds represent a new class of antiviral compounds that are potent inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication but not of other herpesviruses. Here we characterize the effects of two compounds in this class against lytic replication of EBV induced in a Burkitt lymphoma cell line latently infected with EBV. We analyzed linear forms of EBV genomes, indicative of lytic replication, and episomal forms present in latently infected cells by terminal probe analysis followed by Southern blot hybridization as well as the high-molecular-weight unprocessed viral DNA by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. D-Ribofuranosyl benzimidazole compounds that act as inhibitors of HCMV DNA maturation, including BDCRB (5, 6-dichloro-2-bromo-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole), did not affect the accumulation of high-molecular-weight or monomeric forms of EBV DNA in the induced cells. In contrast, the generation of linear EBV DNA as well as precursor viral DNA was sensitive to the L-riboside 1263W94 [5, 6-dichloro-2-(isopropylamino)-1-beta-L-ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole]. The 50% inhibitory concentration range for 1263W94 was 0.15 to 1. 1 microM, compared with 10 microM for ACV. Thus, 1263W94 is a potent inhibitor of EBV. In addition, 1263W94 inhibited the phosphorylation and the accumulation of the essential EBV replicative cofactor, early antigen D.

Clinical pharmacokinetics of the antiviral nucleotide analogues cidofovir and adefovir.

Cidofovir and adefovir are members of a new class of antiviral compounds. They are acyclic phosphonate analogues of deoxynucleoside monophosphates. Both compounds undergo intracellular activation to form diphosphates that are potent inhibitors of viral DNA polymerases. Cidofovir has broad spectrum antiviral activity against herpesviruses, papillomaviruses and poxviruses, whereas adefovir has potent activity against retroviruses and certain DNA viruses, including herpesviruses and hepadnaviruses. Intravenous cidofovir is approved for treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS. Cidofovir and adefovir are dianionic at physiological pH and have low oral bioavailability in animals and humans. After intravenous administration to HIV-infected patients, the pharmacokinetics of both drugs are independent of dose and are consistent with preclinical data. Systemic exposure is proportional to the intravenous dose and both drugs are cleared by the kidney and excreted extensively as unchanged drug in the urine. Intracellular activation of a small fraction (< 10%) of the dose by cellular kinases leads to prolonged antiviral effects that are not easily predicted from conventional pharmacokinetic studies. The observed rate of elimination of cidofovir and adefovir from serum may not reflect the true duration of action of these drugs, since the antiviral effect is dependent on concentrations of the active phosphorylated metabolites that are present within cells. For both drugs, > 90% of an intravenous dose is recovered unchanged in the urine over 24 hours. Metabolism does not contribute significantly to the total clearance of either drug. Concomitant oral probenecid decreases both the renal clearance of cidofovir and the incidence of nephrotoxicity, presumably by blocking its active tubular secretion. This is the basis of the clinical use of concomitant probenecid as a nephroprotectant during cidofovir therapy. Subcutaneous administration produces exposure equivalent to that following intravenous administration. Drug interaction studies with cidofovir are ongoing, but there is no evidence of an interaction between zidovudine and either cidofovir or adefovir. Clearance of cidofovir in patients with renal impairment showed a linear relationship to creatinine clearance. The low oral bioavailability of adefovir has led to the development of an oral prodrug, adefovir dipivoxil, currently in development for the treatment of HIV and hepatitis B infections.

In-vitro and in-vivo efficacy of influenza neuraminidase inhibitors

Influenza continues to be a major health concern and there is always the threat of a pandemic due to the emergence of a viral strain new to the human population, as exemplified by the avian influenza A/H5N1 virus which was responsible for six deaths in Hong Kong last year. Data reported in the past year, based on in-vitro, in-vivo (animal) and clinical studies, suggest that a new class of antiviral compounds targeting the viral neuraminidase is likely to be useful for the treatment and prevention of influenza virus infections in humans.

Peptidomimetic inhibitors of herpes simplex virus ribonucleotide reductase with improved in vivo antiviral activity.

We have been investigating the potential of a new class of antiviral compounds. These peptidomimetic derivatives prevent association of the two subunits of herpes simplex virus (HSV) ribonucleotide reductase (RR), an enzyme necessary for efficient replication of viral DNA. The compounds disclosed in this paper build on our previously published work. Structure-activity studies reveal beneficial modifications that result in improved antiviral potency in cell culture in a murine ocular model of HSV-induced keratitis. These modifications include a stereochemically defined (2,6-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino N-terminus, two ketomethylene amide bond isosteres, and a (1-ethylneopentyl)amino C-terminus. These three modifications led to the preparation of BILD 1351, our most potent antiherpetic agent containing a ureido N-terminus. Incorporation of the C-terminal modification into our inhibitor series based on a (phenylpropionyl)valine N-terminus provided BILD 1357, a significantly more potent antiviral compound than our previously published best compound, BILD 1263.

Cyclocreatine (1-carboxymethyl-2-iminoimidazolidine) inhibits the replication of human herpes viruses

The creatine kinase/creatine phosphate (CK/CrP) system plays an important role in cellular energy homeostasis. CK isoenzymes, which reversibly generate ATP from CrP, are compartmentalized at cellular sites where energy is produced or utilized. It has been noted that the expression of CK is induced in cells infected by several DNA viruses, implicating a role for cellular energy modulation as an important step for efficient viral replication. A CK substrate analog, 1-carboxymethyl-2-iminoimidazolidine (cyclocreatine; CCr), was tested in vitro for antiviral activity against a variety of herpes viruses and RNA viruses. Several members of the human herpes virus family were found to be sensitive to CCr, including herpes simplex types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus. When administered to mice infected vaginally with HSV-2, CCr significantly reduced mortality, reduced vaginal lesion scores, and lowered the titers of recoverable virus. This treatment combined with acyclovir appeared to enhance the antiviral effects of acyclovir. In a second model, mice infected intraperitoneally with HSV-2 and treated with CCr showed a significant increase in survival compared to placebo. We conclude that CCr is the first example of a new class of antiviral compounds that target the CK/CrP system.

26 1-Deazapurine derivatives: A new class of antiviral compounds

26 1-Deazapurine derivatives: A new class of antiviral compounds