Nucleoside Analogues Research Articles

Real-time Visualization of Transcribed mRNA via Click Chemistry in a Liposomal Space.

We present a CuAAC (Copper-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition) reaction protocol designed for the visualization of mRNA. To achieve this, we synthesized stable mRNA molecules incorporating the modified nucleoside analog, EU, a crucial element for fluorophore attachment. Leveraging this modified mRNA, we successfully executed the CuAAC reaction, wherein the pro-fluorophore, coumarin, was conjugated to EU on the mRNA through our meticulously designed CuAAC process. This innovative approach resulted in the emission of fluorescence, enabling both precise quantification and visual observation of mRNA. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of concurrent mRNA synthesis and visualization by seamlessly integrating the CuAAC reaction mix into the mRNA transcription process. Additionally, our novel methodology opens avenues for prospective real-time monitoring of mRNA transcription within artificial cells. These advancements hold significant promise for expanding our comprehension of fundamental cellular processes and finding applications across diverse biological contexts in the future.

Development of an Artificial Nucleic Acid Skeleton Allowing for Unnatural-Type Triplex DNA Formation with Duplex DNA Having a TA Inversion Site.

Triplex DNA formation has generated much interest as a genomic targeting tool that directly targets duplex DNA. However, fundamental limitations in the base pairs of target duplex DNA sequences that can form stable triplex DNA have limited the application. Recently, we have reported on the recognition of CG and 5mCG base pairs by artificial nucleic acid derivatives with a 2'-deoxynebularine skeleton. Therefore, we attempted to explore the basic skeleton that is important for the development of new artificial nucleic acids allowing for the recognition of TA base pairs. In this study, we focused on a benzimidazole skeleton and introduced a hydroxyl group to enable one-point hydrogen bonding. We have synthesized artificial nucleoside analogues with hydroxyl group on the benzimidazole and incorporated their amidite derivatives into triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs). The gel shift assay was performed to evaluate the triplex DNA formation ability of synthesized TFOs, and TFOs containing hydroxybenzimidazole were successfully recognized TA base pairs for all four different sequences. Moreover, compared to the results for the TFOs containing benzimidazole, which suggested hydrogen bonding formation at the hydroxyl group. Therefore, hydroxybenzimidazole would be an important artificial nucleic acid skeleton for TA base pair recognition.

Hepatoprotective effect of Swertiamarin from Cytarabine Induced Hepatotoxicity in Pregnant rats

Cytarabine (Ara-C) is a nucleoside analogue that is used to treat cancer as well as viral infections. It is hepatotoxic and induces oxidative stress. Swertiamarin (ST) is a natural antioxidant that protects the liver from hepatotoxicity caused by medication or toxicant exposure or pathological conditions. The purpose of this investigation was to see if ST could protect pregnant rats against Ara-C-induced hepatotoxicity. Pregnant rats were separated into six groups and given normal saline, Ara-C 25mg/kg, ST 100mg/kg, ST 200mg/kg, Ara-C 25mg/kg plus ST100 mg/kg, and Ara-C25mg/kg plus ST200 mg/kg from gestation day (GD8 to GD20) before being euthanized on GD21. Ara-C treatment resulted in a significant and dose-dependent decrease in weight gain, increased oxidative stress in pregnant rats by increasing MDA levels (p<0.01) and decreasing CAT (p<0.01), GSH (p<0.01), GSH-Px (p<0.01), and SOD (p<0.01) levels, and an increase in enzyme markers AST (p<0.01), ALT (p<0.01), urea (p˂0.01) and creatinine levels (p˂0.01). Furthermore, significant vacuolization, poor tissue architecture, and the formation of pycnotic nuclei and dilated sinusoids were identified in the livers of Ara-C treated rats verses control rats. These data suggest that ST supplementation protects rats from hepatotoxicity caused by Ara-C prenatal exposure. Future research should look into the mechanisms involved in ST's protective impact against Ara-C-induced hepatotoxicity.

Contiguous Silver(I)-Mediated Base Pairs of Imidazophenanthroline and Canonical Nucleobases in DNA Duplexes: Formation of Classical Duplexes versus Homodimer Formation.

Metal-mediated base pairs represent a topical alternative to canonical hydrogen-bonded base pairs. In this context, the ligand 1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (P) was introduced as an artificial nucleobase in a glycol nucleic acid-based nucleoside analogue into a DNA oligonucleotide in a way that the oligonucleotide contains a central block of six contiguous P residues. The ability to engage in Ag+-mediated base pairing was evaluated with respect to the four canonical nucleosides in positions complementary to P. Highly stabilizing Ag+-mediated base pairs were formed with cytosine and guanine (i.e., P-Ag+-C and P-Ag+-G base pairs), whereas the analogous base pairs with thymine and adenine were much less stable and hence formed incompletely. Surprisingly, the intermediate formation of a homodimeric duplex of the P-containing oligonucleotide was observed in all cases, albeit to a different extent. The homodimer is composed of P-Ag+-P base pairs and 18 overhanging mismatched canonical nucleobases. It demonstrates the obstacles present when designing metal-mediated base pairs as metal complexation may take place irrespective of the surrounding natural base pairs. Homodimer formation was found to be particularly prominent when the designated metal-mediated base pairs are of low stability, suggesting that homodimers and regular duplexes are formed in a competing manner.

Бетагерпетические кератиты. Обоснование диагноза и тактики ведения пациентов

Relevance. This publication presents an algorithm for the management of patients with recurrent keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses and outlines the possibilities of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. Purpose. To systemize the algorithm for the management of patients with superficial keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses confirmed by confocal microscopy. Material and methods. A group of 21 patient (21 eye) with superficial keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses was under observation during 12 months. The diagnosis was made on the basis of confocal microscopy results, clinical picture and results of laboratory tests. Each patient received a two-stage treatment with nucleoside analogues locally and systemically; treatment with anti-inflammatory and reparative medicine. Results. Remission as a result of the treatment was achieved in 20 of the 21 patients. Conclusion.The only reliable diagnostic method of keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses is a confocal microscopy, with identification of betaherpesvirus specific «owl's eye» cells. In view of frequent recurrence leading to increase of cornea opacity area, therapy of keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses requires a two-stage treatment. In first stage it is mandatory to prescribe increased dosages of nucleoside analogues, second stage requires prescription of local glucocorticoids and long-term reparative treatment. Key words: keratitis, herpesviruses, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6, «owl's eye» cells

Developments in the chemistry and biology of 1,2,3-triazolyl-C-nucleosides.

In the last 50 years, nucleoside analogs have been introduced to drug therapy as antivirals for different types of cancer due to their interference in cellular proliferation. Among the first line of nucleoside treatment drugs, ribavirin (RBV) is a synthetic N-nucleoside with a 1,2,4-triazole moiety that acts as a broad-spectrum antiviral. It is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines. However, this important drug therapy causes several side effects due to its nonspecific mechanism of action. There is thus a need for a continuous study of its scaffold. A particular approach consists of connecting d-ribose to the nitrogen-containing base with a C-C bond. It provides more stability against enzymatic action and a better pharmacologic profile. The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic has increased the need for more solutions for the treatment of viral infections. Among these solutions, remdesivir, the first C-nucleoside, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It drew attention to the study of the C-nucleoside scaffold. Different C-nucleoside patterns have been synthesized over the years. They show many important activities against viruses and cancer cell lines. 1,2,3-Triazolyl-C-nucleoside derivatives are a prolific and efficient subclass of RBV analogs close to the already-known RBV with a C-C bond modification. These compounds are often prepared by alkynylation of the d-ribose ring followed by azide-alkyne cycloaddition. They are reported to be active against the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and several tumoral cell lines, showing promising biological potential. In this review, we explore such approaches to 1,2,3-triazolyl-C-nucleosides and their evolution over the years.

Dual N6/C7-Substituted 7-Deazapurine and Tricyclic Ribonucleosides with Affinity for G Protein-Coupled Receptors.

Various purine-based nucleoside analogues have demonstrated unexpected affinity for nonpurinergic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as opioid and serotonin receptors. In this work, we synthesized a small library of new 7-deazaadenosine and pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine riboside analogues, featuring dual C7 and N6 modifications and assessed their affinity for various GPCRs. During the course of the synthesis of 7-ethynyl pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ribosides, we observed the formation of an unprecedented tricyclic nucleobase, formed via a 6-endo-dig ring closure. The synthesis of this tricyclic nucleoside was optimized, and the substrate scope for such cyclization was further explored because it might avail further exploration in the nucleoside field. From displacement experiments on a panel of GPCRs and transporters, combining C7 and N6 modifications afforded noncytotoxic nucleosides with micromolar and submicromolar affinity for different GPCRs, such as the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2B, κ-opioid (KOR), and σ1/2 receptor. These results corroborate that the novel nucleoside analogues reported here are potentially useful starting points for the further development of modulators of GPCRs and transmembrane proteins.

Characterization of Equilibrative Nucleoside Transport of the Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line: Panc-1.

Gemcitabine, a first-line chemotherapeutic nucleoside analog drug (NAD) for pancreatic cancer, faces limitations due to drug resistance. Characterizing pancreatic cancer cells' transport characteristics may help identify the mechanisms behind drug resistance, and develop more effective therapeutic strategies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the nucleoside transport properties of Panc-1 cells, one of the commonly used pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines. To assess the presence of equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (ENT-1) in Panc-1 cells, we performed immunofluorescence staining, western blot analysis, and S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI) binding assays. We also conducted standard uptake assays to measure the sodium-independent uptake of [3H]-labeled chloroadenosine, hypoxanthine, and uridine. In addition, we determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of gemcitabine. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism version 8.0 for Windows. The sodium-independent uptake of [3H]-labeled chloroadenosine, hypoxanthine, and uridine was measured using standard uptake assays, and the transport rates were determined as 111.1 ± 3.4 pmol/mg protein/10 s, 62.5 ± 4.8 pmol/mg protein/10 s, and 101.3 ± 2.5 pmol/mg protein/10 s, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of ENT-1 protein was confirmed using NBTI binding assays (Bmax 1.52 ± 0.1 pmol/mg protein; equilibrium dissociation constant 0.42 ± 0.1 nM). Immunofluorescence assays and western blot analysis also revealed ENT-1 in Panc-1 cells. The determined IC50 of gemcitabine in Panc-1 cells was 2 μM, indicating moderate sensitivity. These results suggest that Panc-1 is a suitable preclinical cellular model for studying NAD transport properties and potential therapies in pancreatic cancer and pharmaceutical research.

Potent Anti‐HIV Activity of Alkyl‐Modified DiPPro‐Nucleotides

Two convergent approaches for synthesizing a new class of nucleoside diphosphate prodrugs bearing different nucleoside analogs are reported herein. The DiPPro‐nucleotides comprise an acyloxybenzyl group in combination with a lipophilic alkyl residue at the β‐phosphate or β‐phosphonate group, respectively. They are selectively cleaved to form their corresponding β‐alkylated nucleoside diphosphate derivatives in chemical and biological hydrolysis studies. In contrast, there is a selective but slow cleavage observed in the hydrolysis of the DiPPro‐compounds bearing two different, nonbioreversible alkyl moieties in human CD4+ T‐lymphocyte CEM/0 cell extracts. In these studies, the delivery of nucleoside monophosphates rather than nucleoside diphosphates is being observed, most likely due to a pure chemical phosphoranhydride cleavage of the β‐phosph(on)ate moiety. The antiviral evaluation of these two types of prodrugs reveals that these compounds exhibit marked anti‐HIV efficacy in HIV‐2‐infected thymidine kinase‐deficient CD4+ CEM T‐cells (CEM/TK−), with significantly better activities (up to 6700‐fold) against HIV‐2 replication than the parent nucleosides. Primer extension assays demonstrate that the β‐dialkylphosphate‐modified nucleoside derivatives, β‐monoalkylated‐diphosphates, and nucleoside diphosphates serve as substrates for HIV reverse transcriptase for the viral DNA elongation.

Genome-wide screens connect HD82 loss-of-function to purine analog resistance in African trypanosomes.

Nucleoside analogs have been used extensively as anti-infective agents, particularly against viral infections, and have long been considered promising anti-parasitic agents. These pro-drugs are metabolized by host-cell, viral, or parasite enzymes prior to incorporation into DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA replication. Here, we report genes that sensitize African trypanosomes to nucleoside analogs, including the guanosine analog, ganciclovir. We applied ganciclovir selective pressure to a trypanosome genome-wide knockdown library, which yielded nucleoside mono- and diphosphate kinases as hits, validating the approach. The two most dominant hits to emerge, however, were Tb927.6.2800 and Tb927.6.2900, which both encode nuclear proteins; the latter of which is HD82, a SAMHD1-related protein and a putative dNTP triphosphohydrolase. We independently confirmed that HD82, which is conserved among the trypanosomatids, can sensitize Trypanosoma brucei to ganciclovir. Since ganciclovir activity depends upon phosphorylation by ectopically expressed viral thymidine kinase, we also tested the adenosine analog, ara-A, that may be fully phosphorylated by native T. brucei kinase(s). Both Tb927.6.2800 and HD82 knockdowns were resistant to this analog. Tb927.6.2800 knockdown increased sensitivity to hydroxyurea, while dNTP analysis indicated that HD82 is indeed a triphosphohydrolase with dATP as the preferred substrate. Our results provide insights into nucleoside/nucleotide metabolism and nucleoside analog metabolism and resistance in trypanosomatids. We suggest that the product of 6.2800 sensitizes cells to purine analogs through DNA repair, while HD82 does so by reducing the native purine pool.IMPORTANCEThere is substantial interest in developing nucleoside analogs as anti-parasitic agents. We used genome-scale genetic screening and discovered two proteins linked to purine analog resistance in African trypanosomes. Our screens also identified two nucleoside kinases required for pro-drug activation, further validating the approach. The top novel hit, HD82, is related to SAMHD1, a mammalian nuclear viral restriction factor. We validated HD82 and localized the protein to the trypanosome nucleus. HD82 appears to sensitize trypanosomes to nucleoside analogs by reducing native pools of nucleotides, providing insights into both nucleoside/nucleotide metabolism and nucleoside analog resistance in trypanosomatids.

Synthesis of 2′-Deoxy-2′-β-fluoro-4′-azido-5-fluorouridine as a Potential Anti-HIV Agent

Abstract2′-Deoxy-2′-β-fluoro-4′-azido-5-fluorouridine, a new pyrimidine nucleoside analogue of azvudine (FNC), was designed and synthesized. The synthesis of this nucleoside analogue was achieved by bromination of 1,3,5-O-tribenzoyl-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-d-arabinofuranoside, followed by reaction with silylated 5-fluorouracil and further modifications of the sugar moiety, in a 7.6% overall yield over nine steps. The product exhibited good antiviral activity against HIV-1 infection in HEK293T cells.

Screening and verification of antiviral compounds against HSV-1 using a method based on a plaque inhibition assay

BackgroundHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is a common viral disease that mainly causes oral lesions, but can also cause genital lesions in some instances. Current treatments with nucleoside analogs are limited by the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, novel anti-HSV-1 drugs are urgently needed.MethodsIn this study, we screened a library of 2080 compounds for anti-HSV-1 activity using a plaque formation assay. We selected 11 potential inhibitors of HSV-1 and further evaluated their antiviral effects by plaque reduction assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).ResultsFive compounds, namely ginsenoside Rd, brassinolide, rosamultin, 3’-hydroxy puerarin, and clinafloxacin HCl, showed potent anti-HSV-1 activity and completely suppressed plaque formation at a concentration of 10 µM. Among them, clinafloxacin HCl, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, exhibited a high selectivity index for HSV-1.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that these five compounds have potential antiviral properties against HSV-1 and may have different mechanisms of action. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the antiviral mechanisms of these compounds and to explore their therapeutic potential for HSV-1 infection.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIPV)

This work aims to present a literature review of the disease Feline Infectious Peritonitis, also known by the acronym PIF, focusing on its most recent treatment updates. To carry out this research, bibliographical references from the last 5 years were used, where there have already been changes in this period according to studies consulted. One example is the form of treatment, which a few years ago might have seemed unfeasible to some veterinarians and owners but, today, with the nucleoside analogue GS-441524, also known as “GS”, the prognosis of many feline patients has become more favorable.

Phenotypical Screening of an MMV Open Box Library and Identification of Compounds with Antiviral Activity against St. Louis Encephalitis Virus.

St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a neglected mosquito-borne Flavivirus that may cause severe neurological disease in humans and other animals. There are no specific treatments against SLEV infection or disease approved for human use, and drug repurposing may represent an opportunity to accelerate the development of treatments against SLEV. Here we present a scalable, medium-throughput phenotypic cell culture-based screening assay on Vero CCL81 cells to identify bioactive compounds that could be repurposed against SLEV infection. We screened eighty compounds from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) COVID Box library to identify nine (11%) compounds that protected cell cultures from SLEV-induced cytopathic effects, with low- to mid-micromolar potencies. We validated six hit compounds using viral plaque-forming assays to find that the compounds ABT-239, Amiodarone, Fluphenazine, Posaconazole, Triparanol, and Vidofludimus presented varied levels of antiviral activity and selectivity depending on the mammalian cell type used for testing. Importantly, we identified and validated the antiviral activity of the anti-flavivirus nucleoside analog 7DMA against SLEV. Triparanol and Fluphenazine reduced infectious viral loads in both Vero CCL81 and HBEC-5i cell cultures and, similar to the other validated compounds, are likely to exert antiviral activity through a molecular target in the host.

Elongation of N6-benzyladenosine scaffold via Pd-catalyzed C–C bond formation leads to derivatives with antiflaviviral activity

Decoration of nucleoside analogues with lipophilic groups often leads to compounds with improved antiviral activity. For example, N6-benzyladenosine derivatives containing elongated lipophilic substituents in the benzyl core efficiently inhibit reproduction of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), while N6-benzyladenosine itself potently inhibits reproduction of human enterovirus A71 (EV-A71). We have extended a series of N6-benzyladenosine analogues using effective synthetic methods of CC bond formation based on Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions (Sonogashira and Suzuki) in order to study the influence of bulky lipophilic substituents in the N6 position of adenosine on the antiviral activity against flaviviruses, such as TBEV, yellow fever virus (YFV) and West Nile virus (WNV), as well as a panel of enteroviruses including EV-A71, Echovirus 30 (E30), and poliovirus type 2 (PV2). Reproduction of tested flaviviruses appeared to be inhibited by the micromolar concentrations of the compounds, while cytotoxicity in most cases was beyond the detection limit. Time-of-addition studies demonstrated that the hit compounds inhibited the stage of viral RNA synthesis, but not the stages of the viral entry or protein translation. As a result, several new promising antiflaviviral leads have been identified. On the other hand, none of the synthesized compounds inhibited enterovirus reproduction, indicating a possibility of involvement of flavivirus-specific pathways in their mechanism of action.

Zidovudine reduces ketamine-induced psychotic symptoms in mice

Introduction: Infection with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) is associated with several neurological disorders including psychotic symptoms. Treatment or therapeutic management of these symptoms with conventional anti-psychotic drugs (APDs) is associated with drug-drug interaction and side effects that may cause treatment failure. Zidovudine (AZT) an anti-retroviral (ARV) drug, is a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) with highest CNS penetrating ability, but few or nothing is known about its CNS effects.
 Objective of study: To evaluate the effect of AZT on ketamine-induced depression, hyperkinesia, and cognitive function in mice.
 Method: Acute toxicity was conducted for oral and intraperitoneal administration using Lorke’s (1983) method. Acute zidovudine alone and its concurrent (AZT + Ketamine) sub-chronic (7 days) administration was investigated using forced swim test, open field locomotor test and Y-maze test. Olanzepine (5mg/kg), Haloperidol (1 mg/kg) and Eserine (0.03 mg/kg) were used as standard controls respectively with saline as normal control. Eserine was administered intraperitoneal 30 minutes before the test, while the 5 tested zidovudine doses (12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered singly orally for 60 minutes prior to the acute test while ketamine 30mg/kg intraperitoneal administered concurrently for 7 days for the sub-chronic test
 Result: The LD50 for oral and intraperitoneal administration were determined to be 3807.88 mg/kg and 2154 mg/kg respectively. Concurrent AZT administration with ketamine for 7 days, significantly (p<0.001) reduced immobility time at AZT doses of 25 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg compared to the control. The 7-days AZT concurrent treatments with ketamine reduced locomotion at all AZT test groups, compared to normal control group. The mean percent alternation was severely reduced in acute AZT treatments, but increased in concurrent AZT-ketamine administration.
 Conclusion: AZT ameliorate ketamine-induced psychotic-like symptoms in mice, but was found to cause cognitive deficits in normal controls.

Design and Synthesis of Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonene Nucleoside Analogues.

Nucleoside analogues are effective antiviral agents, and the continuous emergence of pathogenic viruses demands the development of novel and structurally diverse analogues. Here, we present the design and synthesis of novel nucleoside analogues with a carbobicyclic core, which mimics the conformation of natural ribonucleosides. Employing a divergent synthetic route featuring an intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction, we successfully synthesized carbobicyclic nucleoside analogues with high antiviral efficacy against respiratory syncytial virus.

Gambogic acid inhibits HBx-mediated hepatitis B virus replication by targeting the DTX1-Notch signaling pathway

Background & AimsCurrent antiviral drugs, including nucleoside analogs and interferon, fail to eliminate the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which serves as a transcript template in infected hepatocytes. Silencing the HBV X protein, which plays a crucial role in cccDNA transcription, is a promising approach to inhibit HBV replication. Therefore, the identification of novel compounds that can inhibit HBx-mediated cccDNA transcription is critical. MethodsInitially, a compound library consisting of 715 monomers derived from traditional Chinese medicines known for their liver-protecting properties was established. Then, MTT assays were used to determine the cytotoxicity of each compound. The effect of candidates on Flag-HBx expression was examined by real-time PCR and western blotting in Flag-HBx transfected HepG2-NTCP cells. Ultimately, the antiviral effect of gambogic acid (GA) on HBV was observed in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells. Mechanistically, the functional role of DTX1 in GA-induced HBV inhibition was examined using RNA-seq. Finally, the antiviral effect of GA was estimated in vivo. ResultsGambogic acid (GA), a natural bioactive compound with a myriad of biological activities, markedly reduced Flag-HBx expression. Potent and dose-dependent reductions in extracellular HBV RNAs, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg and HBc protein were discovered three days after GA treatment in HBV-infected cells, accompanied by the absence of significant cytotoxicity. Furthermore, our research revealed that GA exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of HBx expression, which is a pleiotropic protein required for HBV infection in vivo. We explored the mechanisms underlying GA-mediated inhibition of HBV and confirmed that this inhibition is accomplished by upregulating the expression of the DTX1 gene and boosting the Notch signaling pathway. Finally, the inhibitory effect of GA on HBV replication was tested in vivo using a mouse model of hepatitis B virus recombinant cccDNA. ConclusionsHerein, we discovered GA, which is a natural bioactive compound that targets HBx to inhibit hepatitis B virus replication by activating the DTX1-Notch signaling pathway.

Membrane-permeable tenofovir-di- and monophosphate analogues

The development of new antiviral agents such as nucleoside analogues or acyclic nucleotide analogues (ANPs) and prodrugs thereof is an ongoing task. We report on the synthesis of three types of lipophilic triphosphate analogues of (R)-PMPA and dialkylated diphosphate analogues of (R)-PMPA. A highly selective release of the different nucleotide analogues ((R)-PMPA-DP, (R)-PMPA-MP, and (R)-PMPA) from these compounds was achieved. All dialkylated (R)-PMPA-prodrugs proved to be very stable in PBS as well as in CEM/0 cell extracts and human plasma. In primer extension assays, both the monoalkylated and the dialkylated (R)-PMPA-DP derivatives acted as (R)-PMPA-DP as a substrate for HIV-RT. In contrast, no incorporation events were observed using human polymerase γ. The dialkylated (R)-PMPA-compounds exhibited significant anti-HIV efficacy in HIV-1/2 infected cells (CEM/0 and CEM/TK−). Remarkably, the dialkylated (R)-PMPA-MP derivative 9a showed a 326-fold improved activity as compared to (R)-PMPA in HIV-2 infected CEM/TK− cells as well as a very high SI of 14,000. We are convinced that this study may significantly contribute to advancing antiviral agents developed based on nucleotide analogues in the future.

Early clearance of hairy cell leukaemia in the bone marrow after first-line treatment with cladribine predicts a favourable outcome.

First-line purine nucleoside analogues (PNAs) in hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) allow deep and long-lasting responses. We retrospectively analysed 53 HCL patients treated frontline with cladribine and assessed for response at 2 and 6 months after treatment to evaluate the kinetics of response. The estimated median progression-free survival was significantly different according to the degree of residual HCL infiltrate detected by immunohistochemistry at the bone marrow biopsy at 2 months (≤5% vs. >5%, 247 vs. 132 months, respectively, p = 0.033), but not at 6 months (p = 0.79). Our data suggest a favourable prognostic impact of early marrow HCL clearance in patients treated with cladribine.