The site of attachment in human rhinovirus 14 for antiviral agents that inhibit uncoating.

WIN 51711 and WIN 52084 are structurally related, antiviral compounds that inhibit the replication of rhino (common cold) viruses and related picornaviruses. They prevent the pH-mediated uncoating of the viral RNA. The compounds consist of a 3-methylisoxazole group that inserts itself into the hydrophobic interior of the VP1 beta-barrel, a connecting seven-membered aliphatic chain, and a 4-oxazolinylphenoxy group (OP) that covers the entrance to an ion channel in the floor of the "canyon." Viral disassembly may be inhibited by preventing the collapse of the VP1 hydrophobic pocket or by blocking the flow of ions into the virus interior.

The structure of human rhinovirus 16.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoviruses and the homologous polioviruses have hydrophobic pockets below their receptor-binding sites, which often contain unidentified electron density ('pocket factors'). Certain antiviral compounds also bind in the pocket, displacing the pocket factor and inhibiting uncoating. However, human rhinovirus (HRV)14, which belongs to the major group of rhinoviruses that use intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as a receptor, has an empty pocket. When antiviral compounds bind into the empty pocket of HRV14, the roof of the pocket, which is also the floor of the receptor binding site (the canyon), is deformed, preventing receptor attachment. The role of the pocket in viral infectivity is not known. RESULTS: We have determined the structure of HRV16, another major receptor group rhinovirus serotype, to atomic resolution. Unlike HRV14, the pockets contain electron density resembling a fatty acid, eight or more carbon atoms long. Binding of the antiviral compound WIN 56291 does not cause deformation of the pocket, although it does prevent receptor attachment. CONCLUSIONS: We conjecture that the binding of the receptor to HRV16 can occur only when the pocket is temporarily empty, when it is possible for the canyon floor to be deformed downwards into the pocket. We further propose that the role of the pocket factor is to stabilize virus in transit from one host cell to the next, and that binding of ICAM-1 traps the pocket in the empty state, destabilizing the virus as required for uncoating.

Human rhinovirus 14 complexed with antiviral compound R 61837.

The binding of the antirhinoviral agent R 61837 to human rhinovirus 14 has been examined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The compound R 61837 binds in the same pocket (underneath the canyon floor) as the "WIN" antirhinoviral agents. It does not penetrate as far into the pocket but causes similar conformational changes in the virus capsid. The movement of residues 1217 to 1221 of viral protein 1 (in the "FMDV loop") is more pronounced for R 61837 than for WIN compounds. Although both R 61837 and WIN antiviral agents partially fill the same hydrophobic pocket, atomic binding interactions differ, showing that considerable diversity in the nature of antiviral agents is possible.

Crystal structure of human rhinovirus serotype 1A (HRV1A).

The structure of human rhinovirus 1A (HRV1A) has been determined to 3.2 A resolution using phase refinement and extension by symmetry averaging starting with phases at 5 A resolution calculated from the known human rhinovirus 14 (HRV14) structure. The polypeptide backbone structures of HRV1A and HRV14 are similar, but the exposed surfaces are rather different. Differential charge distribution of amino acid residues in the "canyon", the putative receptor binding site, provides a possible explanation for the difference in minor versus major receptor group specificities, represented by HRV1A and HRV14, respectively. The hydrophobic pocket in VP1, into which antiviral compounds bind, is in an "open" conformation similar to that observed in drug-bound HRV14. Drug binding in HRV1A does not induce extensive conformational changes, in contrast to the case of HRV14.

A comparison of the anti-rhinoviral drug binding pocket in HRV14 and HRV1A.

The three-dimensional structures of two human rhinovirus serotypes (HRV14 and HRV1A) are compared when complexed with various antiviral agents. Although these agents all bind into the same hydrophobic pocket, the exact viral-drug interactions differ. In the absence of drugs, the pocket is occupied by a fatty acid in HRV1A, but is empty in HRV14 except for two water molecules. The conformation of each drug is dependent upon the shape of the hydrophobic pocket. In HRV14 the major residues determining the shape of the binding site are Y1128, P1174 and M1224, corresponding to I1125, M1169 and I1220 in HRV1A. When there is no cofactor or a drug in the pocket, the entrance to the pocket is open. However, the entrance is closed when the pocket is occupied by a cofactor or a drug. There are relatively small conformational changes when the agents displace the natural cofactor in HRV1A. In contrast, there are much larger conformational changes on binding a drug in HRV14. These differences cause an inhibition of viral attachment in HRV14 but not in HRV1A. Binding of the drugs results in three additional interprotomer hydrogen bonds in HRV14 and one in HRV1A. These hydrogen bonds and a potential loss of flexibility upon efficient packing of the pocket may contribute to the inhibition of uncoating in both serotypes.

[(Biaryloxy)alkyl]isoxazoles: picornavirus inhibitors.

A series of biphenyl analogs, 6, of 5-[5-(2,6-dichloro-5-oxazolylphenoxy)pentyl]-3-methylisoxazole (2) have been synthesized and tested in vitro against 10 human rhinovirus serotypes in a TCID50 assay. The most potent compound in the series 6s, 3-[3-[2,6-dimethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-phenoxy]propyl]-3-methylisoxazole , was screened against an additional 84 serotypes. It was found to be active against 64 of the serotypes, while 87 serotypes were sensitive to 2 at < 3 micrograms/mL. On comparison of the active serotypes, 6s exhibited greater potency versus 2. Analogs 6a-c,s were examined for in vitro metabolic stability by monkey liver microsomal assay. These analogs exhibited a greater than 7-fold improvement (t1/2 > 200 min) in metabolic stability compared with 2 (t1/2 > 27 min).

[[(4,5-Dihydro-2-oxazolyl)phenoxy]alkyl]isoxazoles. Inhibitors of picornavirus uncoating.

A series of [[(4,5-dihydro-2-oxazolyl)phenoxy]alkyl]isoxazoles has been synthesized and evaluated as antipicornavirus agents. The effect of alkyl groups in the 4- and 5-position of the oxazoline ring, as well as the alkyl chain length, on antiviral activity was examined. Compound 14 was evaluated in vivo and was found to significantly reduce mortality at an oral dose of 4 mg/kg in mice infected intracerebrally with poliovirus-2. Compound 14 was also effective in preventing paralysis when administered intraperitoneally to mice infected subcutaneously with a lethal dose of ECHO-9 virus. On the basis of the results of these studies, compound 14 is a strong candidate for clinical evaluation as a systemic agent for the treatment of picornavirus infections.

Synthesis of some phosphonates with antiherpetic activity.

Several keto phosphonates, phosphonoacetates , and dialkyl phosphonates containing (aryloxy)aryl groups were synthesized and evaluated for antiherpteic activity. Two of the most active compounds, 12 and 16, were evaluated topically in the mouse vaginal model against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. Compound 16 exhibited an increased survival rate, as well as increased survival time. Evaluation of 16 in the guinea pig skin test against HSV-2 produced a reduction in virus titer, as well as in mean vesicle score.

Enantiomeric effects of homologues of disoxaril on the inhibitory activity against human rhinovirus-14.

X-ray crystallography studies of racemic 5-[7-[4-(4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-2-oxazolyl)phenoxy]heptyl]- 3-methylisoxazole bound to human rhinovirus-14 (HRV-14) indicate selective binding of the S isomer. This result correlates well with the 10-fold greater activity of the S isomer as compared to the R isomer. The enantiomeric effect on activity is explained by a hydrophobic interaction of the methyl group in the case of 2a, with a pocket formed by Leu106 and Ser107. The 4-ethyl, 4-propyl, and 4-butyloxazolinyl homologues were prepared and tested against HRV-14. All of these compounds exhibited a comparable stereochemical effect. In each case, the S isomer displayed greater levels of activity than the R. The results of energetic considerations of the oxazoline ring in an 8-A pocket bound to the HRV-14 binding site suggest that the twist angle between the oxazoline and phenyl rings resulting from hydrophobic interactions of the alkyl substituents could be one of the determining factors for biological activity.

Antiviral activity of some beta-diketones. 4. Benzyl diketones. In vitro activity against both RNA and DNA viruses.

The synthesis and in vitro antiviral evaluation of a series of substituted benzyl beta-diketones are described. The introduction of a styryl group onto the phenyl ring enhanced activity against herpesvirus type 2. The 4-methoxystyryl homologue 8 was evaluated extensively in vitro and was found to be effective against both RNA and DNA viruses. Compound 8 was evaluated in the mouse vagina against herpes simplex type 1 and produced a significant increase in survival rate as well as in survival time.

Antiviral activity of some beta-diketones. 2. Aryloxy alkyl diketones. In vitro activity against both RNA and DNA viruses.

A series of aryloxy alkyl diketones II was synthesized and screened in vitro for antiviral activity. The effect of various substituents on the phenyl ring, as well as the length of the alkyl bridge, was examined to establish the requirements for optimum activity. One of the most active members of the series, 4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxy)phenoxy]hexyl-3,5-heptanedione (56), exhibited a high level of activity against both DNA and RNA viruses in both the tissue culture and organ culture screens and was particularly effective against herpesvirus type 1 and 2.

A model for compounds active against human rhinovirus-14 based on X-ray crystallography data.

A number of (oxazolinylphenyl)isoxazoles have been synthesized and tested against human rhinovirus-14 (HRV-14). Several of the more active compounds have been examined by X-ray crystallography and their orientation in the compound binding site on the capsid protein of HRV-14 has been determined. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration against HRV-14 and the X-ray conformation of the compounds, a model has been developed which distinguishes between the space-filling properties of the active and inactive compounds in this series. The model was generated by overlaying composite structures and comparing the van der Waals generated volume maps. The results of this study indicate that inactive compounds display areas of excessive bulk particularly around the phenyl ring, while the active compounds occupy space below the pore area of the compound binding site.

Isoxazoles with antipicornavirus activity.

The synthesis and evaluation of a series of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles as antipicornavirus agents have led to the discovery of several compounds effective in vitro against rhinovirus type 2 and poliovirus type 2. Compound 32 was found more effective than 4',6-dichloroflavan against both viruses and was evaluated orally in mice infected intracerebrally with polio-2. At 31 mg/kg bid, compound 32 showed a 53% survival rate as compared to 22% for the nonmedicated animals.

Oxadiazoles as ester bioisosteric replacements in compounds related to disoxaril. Antirhinovirus activity.

A series of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles has been prepared as ester bioisosteres and tested against 15 human rhinovirus serotypes, and the MIC80, the concentration which inhibits 80% or 12 of the serotypes tested, was determined. Homologation of the alkyl group attached to the oxadiazole ring resulted in a reduction in activity with increased chain length. Introduction of hydrophilic groups in this position rendered the compounds inactive. Increasing the length of the side chain attached to the isoxazole ring resulted in an increase in activity. Replacement of the methyl with alkoxyalkyl substituents retained activity; however, introduction of a hydroxyl group on to the side chain reduced activity. Compound 8a, where both the isoxazole and oxadiazole rings were substituted with methyl groups, was one of the most active compounds in the series. A comparison was made between 8a and the two isomeric oxadiazoles 41 and 46, and an attempt was made to explain the difference in activity by examining electrostatic potential maps and by an energy profiling study. No conclusive results were obtained from these studies.

CoMFA analysis of the interactions of antipicornavirus compounds in the binding pocket of human rhinovirus-14.

A CoMFA analysis of eight compounds related to disoxaril whose X-ray structures bound to HRV-14 had been determined resulted in a strong positive correlation of activity with steric effects of the compounds, particularly toward the pore end of the compound binding site, and no correlation with electrostatic effects. These results confirm what had been previously found, that the activity of these compounds was highly dependent upon their hydrophobic nature as expressed by log p. The CoMFA study also confirmed the results from the comparison of a series of active and inactive compounds using volume maps which showed that bulk at the pore end of the molecule was conducive to high levels of antiviral activity while excessive bulk around the ring led to poor activity.

Antirhinoviral activity of heterocyclic analogs of Win 54954.

A variety of heterocyclic analogs of Win 54954 have been synthesized and tested in vitro against human rhinovirus type 14 (HRV-14) in a plaque reduction assay. The more active compounds were tested against 14 additional serotypes, and the concentration which inhibited 80% of the serotypes tested (MIC80) was measured. One compound, 37, exhibited activity comparable to Win 59454. Physicochemical as well as electrostatic parameters were calculated and the results subjected to a QSAR analysis in an effort to explain differences in activity observed between these compounds; however, no meaningful correlation with biological activity was found with any of these parameters.

Conformationally restricted analogues of disoxaril: a comparison of the activity against human rhinovirus types 14 and 1A.

A series of conformationally restricted analogs of disoxaril has been synthesized and evaluated against human rhinovirus types (HRV) 14 and 1A. The sensitivity of these serotypes to this series varied and was dependent upon the length of the molecule as well as upon the flexibility of the aliphatic chain. Minimum energy conformations of these compounds were overlaid with the X-ray structure of a closely related analog 9 bound to the capsid protein of both HRV-14 and -1A and then modeled in the compound-binding site of both serotypes. A comparative sweep volume of these compounds about the isoxazole ring revealed an inaccessible region of space for the cis-olefin 8b, which is not the case for either the trans-olefin 8a or the acetylene 5. This region may be important to the binding of the compounds to the HRV-14 site particularly during entry into the pocket.

Antiviral activity of some beta-diketones. 3. Aryl bis(beta-diketones). Antiherpetic activity.

A series of bis(beta-diketones) was synthesized and tested in vitro for antiviral actitity against herpes simplex type 2. Two parameters which were studied in an effort to optimize activity were the nature of the aryl group and the length of the alkyl bridge. One of the more active compounds, 4,4'-[(1,4-phenylenedioxy)bis(6,1-hexanediyl)]-bis[3,5-heptanedione] (6), was evaluated more extensively and found to inhibit the cytopathic effect in tissue culture of herpes simplex virus type 1 as well as type 2. Compound 6 was evaluated in vivo topically against herpes simplex type 1 in experimentally induced skin infections in guinea pigs. A topical treatment with 2% of 6 in a vanishing cream base, administered 24 h postinfection applied five times daily for 4 days, significantly reduced the number and size of herpetic vesicles.

Synthesis and structure-activity studies of some disubstituted phenylisoxazoles against human picornavirus.

A number of 2,6-disubstituted analogues of disoxaril, a broad spectrum antipicornavirus agent, have been prepared and evaluated against several rhinovirus serotypes. A QSAR study revealed that the mean MIC (MIC) against five rhinovirus serotypes correlated well with log P. The 2,6-dichloro analogue, 15, was highly effective in vitro against rhinoviruses with an MIC80 of 0.3 microM, as well as against several enteroviruses, and was also effective in preventing paralysis in mice infected with coxsackievirus A-9.

Antiviral activity of some beta-diketones. 1. Aryl alkyl diketones. In vitro activity against both RNA and DNA viruses.

The discovery that 4-[3-ethyl-6-[(3,4-methylenedioxy)phenyl]-3-hexenyl]-3,5-heptanedione (40) exhibited an in vitro inhibitory effect against equine rhinovirus led to a structure--activity study to establish the criteria for optimum activity. Modification of the bridge included removal of the ethyl group and reduction of the double bond. The heptanedione was replaced with hexanedione and pentanedione with a minimal effect. The effect of replacing the heptanedione with beta-keto esters and monoketones was also investigated. Maintaining the hexamethylene bridge and heptanedione, the methylenedioxy group was replaced with various substitutents. In general, most substituents did not adversely affect activity particularly against equine rhinovirus although there was some variation in activity against herpesvirus. Strongly hydrophilic groups significantly reduced activity. Finally, the effect of varying the length of the alkyl bridge was examined in the 4-hydroxyphenyl series, where peak activity was attained with n = 8.