[Effects of novel antiviral agents on HIV-1 replication].

Two groups of the antiviral agents: 1) adamantane- and norbornen-containing compounds with in-built cholesterol to potentiate the membranotropic properties and 2) synthetic matrix protein peptides (peptides A and B) were found to have effects on HIV replication. The agents of the former group produced antiviral activity only when added in combination with the virus. Peptide A (matrix protein 43-60 amino acids) inhibited viral replication when added in both the early and late periods. Fluorescein-labeled peptide A was detectable in the cytoplasm and nucleus (although adsorption of a portion of the peptides cannot be excluded onto the cell surface). Peptide A was shown to inhibit Gag precursor p55 transport from the nuclei to the plasma membrane, the site of virus assembly. Peptide B had no antiviral activity.

[Modeling and theoretical analysis of ring specific mimicry in view of isomerism within medicinal promising oligomers of "DIVEMA"]. / Raschetno-teoreticheskii analiz izomerizatsonnoi tsiklomimikrii lekarstvenno-perspektivnykh oligomerov "DIVÉMA" v protsesse ikh svobodno-radikal'nogo sinteza.

The furan or pyran related hetero cycles play basic role in structural units of nucleic acids (NA) and polysaccharides (PS), significantly predetermining their functional specifics. Some of such properties, in great relevancy for medicine, can be imitated through mimicry of polymers synthetic. Particularly, a formation of similar cycloisomeric chains is possible in process of free-radical cyclocopolymerization of divinyl ether (DVE) and maleic anhydride (MA). The products yielded (DVEMA) of general formula [DVE(MA)-alt-MA]n become precursors for a broad family of water-soluble derivatives capable of wide spectrum of bioactivity, including induction of interferon, immune-stimulated and direct antiviral protection. In this connection, the knowledge: what is content of different heterocyclic isomers in backbone of the preparations and what their partial contributions in promotion of the certain bioactivities observed, are in great importance. Available experimental data (NMR, IR, etc.), controversial for interpretations, didn't elucidate a required estimation of the DVEMA isomerism. The current work represents an independent exploration of the problem via quantum chemistry-based analysis of kinetic (activation barriers) and thermodynamic (enthalpies) priorities in competition between variable isomerism within the chain synthesis. The system is considered in maximal range of hypothetically allowable variations of two levels for double regioselective bifurcations: there are four competitive ways, each of which involves a sequence of four type elementary reactions for a diverse-isomeric formation of chain units. A genesis of six chiral centers (62 stereoisomers permitted) per every of the four part ways was accounted in view for up to 256 isomeric variations in total. The required time-minimized but precisely accurate computations were conducted via B3LYP/6-31G(d), M06-2X/6-311+G(d), M06-2X/6-31+G(2df,p) techniques, which were preselected through model test-systems. As a result, the mechanisms, crucial points and factors for the process-permitted regulation of isomeric content of DVEMA were studied in details. The narrow enough set of most probable enantiomers within highly competitive 5-exo- and 6-endo- ring closing sub-ways was revealed. The results obtained are very actual for an adequate modeling (docking / molecular dynamics) of DVEMA derivatives in their interactions with biopolymer targets, in search for purposed advancement of current background in design and synthesis of highly effective agents for combined antiviral protection (against HIV, flu, herpes, and other infections).

[Antiviral activity of polycarboxylic substances modified by cage hydrocarbon and sulfoacid pharmacophors against cytomegalovirus infection in vitro].

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (CMVI) results in lethal risks at the immunodeficiency status, including the HIV co-infection. Carboxy-mimickers of the polymeric backbone of nucleic acids, potential agonists and antagonists of the virus genome were developed as promising candidates for the antiviral protective agents. In parallel with stimulation of antiviral immunity the mimickers derived membrane potent compounds (MPC), were shown to be able to prevent directly and efficiently the cell infection by various strains of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [Antibiotics and Chemother 2003; 48: 2:29-41; 5:7-15]. The paper presents new data and discussion of the results on investigation of the MPC, modified by the previously designed adamantane or norbornene and by the recently applied sulfoacidic pharmacophores in the experimental model of CMVI in vitro (human diploid fibroblast cells). Eight substances with various ratios of theabove mentioned cage-hydrocarbon and/or anion pharmacophores in the macromolecule were tested and active MPC modifications were detected which efficiently inhibited the CMVI with high indexes of selectivity up to 250, 4286 and 7500 in prophylactic, therapeutic and viricidal experimental schemes respectively. Modulating influence of the lipotropic (cage-hydrocarbon) pharmacophores on the anti-CMV activity was observed only in the viricidal and prophylactic experimental schemes, in which the lipid membranes of the cells and/or virus envelopes were involved. Still, the dominant role in the antiviral activity of MPC in all the experimental schemes was played by the sulfoacid-anionic chemical structure modulation. By increasing the density of the negative charge of the macromolecules to the levels comparable with the charge of the genome molecules, theanionic modification evidently amplified the potential of the antagonistic competition of the synthetic MPC with the virus genome, thus impairing the virus-specific interactions. The most promising compounds AS-688 and AS-678/-679 were selected for further investigation of the mechanisms of the anti-CMV and anti-HIV activity.

[Influence of membrane-active polyanions on various stages of the human cytomegalovirus life cycle in vitro].

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), an agent of infection (CMVI), lethally dangerous for immune deficient neonates and adults was investigated in vitro as a target for a therapeutic effect of new membrane-active polyanionic compounds (MPC). Previous studies on the alicycle- and sulfate-modified carboxy-MPCs revealed a well-defined tendency of the anti-CMV activity amplification in parallel with increasing of the content of sulfate groups, enhancing the negative charge of the macromolecule. The dominating role of the electrostatic factor was confirmed by the highest activity of AS-688, compound with maximum sulfation among the tested MPCs. Its selectivity index (SI) of the CMVI inhibition in human diploid fibroblast cells reached 5450, 7500, 250 and 4286 in the microbicidal, viricidal, prophylactic and therapeutic schemes of the experiment respectively. The antiviral activity at the first, second and third schemes was explained by the polyanion-typical potential of electrostatic neutralization of the countercharged virions and prevention of the virus adsorption on the cell membranes (in competition with heparin sulfate, a cellular receptor of CMV), whereas the therapeutic effect required the ability of MPC to influence the intracellular stages of the CMV life cycle. The PCR and immunochemical assays revealed an inhibitory action of AS-688 on replication of the viral DNA and the following synthesis of the late viral protein gB with efficiency similar to that of gancyclovir (GCV). However, in contrast to GCV, acting as inhibitor of enzyme (viral RNA-polymerase) factor of the biosynthesis, the therapeutic activity of MPC could be interpreted by competition with viral RNA/DNA due to the specific character of the MPC molecular basis, initially constructed on the principle of nucleic acids backbone and charge adjustable imitation. This mechanism assuming reduction of the cytotoxicity risks, explained the experimentally observed fact of low cytotoxicity of MPCs and possible achievement of high SI. The MPC ability to penetrate into the cells without disruption of cellular membrane permeability was confirmed in experiments with the fluorescent-labeled derivate AS-679, structurally and functionally related to AS-688. In the light of the previously described HIV inhibiting properties of AS-688, AS-679 and MPC analogous, the results could be considered prospective in development of new highly effective agents for combined antiviral protection.

[Carboxy mimetic derivatives of nucleic acid polymeric backbones inhibiting human cytomegalovirus. 1. In vitro microbicidal effect].

The artificial polycarboxyacidic compounds (PC), imitating the principle of furan-derived and negatively charged structures alternating in the polymeric backbone of nucleic acids, previously explored as interferon inductors and stimulators of antiviral immunity in vivo, were modified by the side groups to amplify the direct antiviral potency in vitro and investigated in the cell culture model of human diploid fibroblasts infected with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) in a microbicidal scheme. Reconstruction from the PC to membrane potent compounds (MPC) was carried out by covalent modification with lipotropic pharmacophores (of cage-hydrocarbon structures similar to rimantadine or camphor-like terpenoids), as well as by conversion of the carboxy groups to sulfate-anionic derivates, related to the CMV sensitive heparansulfate receptor (HSR) of the cells. Both the factors of the MPC structure-functional modulation (lipotropic and anionic) were found to be effective tools for amplification of the microbicidal activity. The maximum inhibitory effect against CMV and minimum cytotoxicity (with the best selectivity, the chemotherapeutic index of > or = 3000-5000) were achieved mainly through increasing the anionic groups content, elevating the MPC negative charge to the level comparable with one of the like charged viral genome and HSR. In relation with the previously found anti-HIV efficacy of the same MPCs in analogous experimental models and in view of the fact that CMV is one of the most dangerous opportunistic co-factors of HIV/AIDS pathogenesis, the obtained data can be used as a basis for further development of new generation microbicides, promising for combined prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

[Antiviral action of membranotropic compounds modified by adamantane and norbornene pharmacophores exerted on different HIV-1 strains].

The anti-HIV activity of new membranotropic compounds, i.e. of the polycarboxylate matrix and of its derivatives modified by adamantane and norbonene, was studied in respect of HIV-1 strains, whose tropicity to coreceptors CCR5 and CXCR4 was different, as well as in respect of HIV-1 variants resistant to azidothymidine (AZT) in a continuous culture of human lymphoid cells (MT-4) and in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood from healthy donors. Testing of complex compounds in a culture of infected MT-4 human lymphoid cells showed an effective inhibition of viral reproduction of LAV.04 (CXCR4-tropic variant) and of HIV11(EVK) as well as AZT-resistant variants. The studied pharmacophores-modified compounds displayed, in infection of the primary culture of human mononuclear cells of the HIV-1 R5 and X4 strains, a notable antiviral activity with their HIV efficiency significantly exceeding the one of the original matrix.

Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by newly developed adamantane-containing polyanionic agents.

Newly developed antiviral compounds consisting of an adamantane derivative chemically linked to a water-soluble polyanionic matrix were shown to inhibit HIV-1 infection in lymphoblastoid cells, HeLa CD4+ beta-galactosidase (MAGI) cells and macrophages. The effect of the compounds was recorded by measuring viral reverse transcriptase activity and p24 by ELISA in culture supernatant and by immunoblotting of cell lysates. In this paper we describe the data obtained with one of the most promising compounds, Amant. Amant was not toxic for the host cells at concentrations as high as 1 mg/ml. The inhibition of HIV-1 replication in MT-4 and MAGI cells was observed when Amant was added either before infection or with the virus (0 h of infection), and was expressed even when the compound added at 0 h was removed 1.5 h after infection. Its inhibitory concentration (IC50) against HIV-1 and HIV-2 replication was 2-6 and 93 microg/ml, respectively. The anti-HIV-1 effect of the compound was gradually decreased when it was added 1 and 2 h post infection, and no inhibition was observed when the compound was added 4 h after infection, suggesting that the compound as a membranotropic drug blocks an early step of replication. It completely prevented the transport of Gag proteins into the nuclei. Pretreatment of the virus with Amant did not reduce its infectious activity. The classical adamantane derivatives amantadine and rimantadine hydrochloride did not inhibit HIV replication.

[Structure and antiviral activity of adamantane-containing polymer preparation]. / Struktura i antivirusnaia aktivnost' adamantansoderzhashchikh polimernykh preparatov.

New water-soluble antiviral chemical agents, containing 10 to 30% of adamantane derivatives (amino-, aminopropyl-adamantane-, aminomethyl- and rimantadine), which were conjugated with polycarboxylic matrixes of the divinyl ether and maleic anhydride copolymers (DIVEMA), were developed. The polymeric drugs exhibited a low cytotoxicity (4 to 10 times less than rimantadine) and a wide spectrum of antiviral activity against influenza viruses, including both the remantadine-resistant strains of A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) and the B/Saint-Petersburg strain/71/77 as well as against herpes viruses of type 1, parainfluenza viruses of types 1 and 3 and RS-virus. A reduction of the viral infection titer in their reproduction in sensitive cells' cultures was more than 2.0 Ig ID50. Complete inhibition of viral-specific syntheses, registered by immune-enzyme assay (IEA) and by hemagglutination test was observed at low infection doses ranging from 1 to 100 ID50. The efficiency of the antiviral effect depends on a drug's molecular weight and a structure of chemical bonds between the adamantane nucleus and the polymeric matrix.

[HIV-inhibiting activity of polyanion matrices and related substances containing adamantane and norbornene pharmacophores]. / VICh-ingibiruiushchaia aktivnost' polianionnykh matrits i soedinenii na ikh osnove, soderzhashchikh adamantanovye i norbornenovye farmakofory.

Analysis of molecular mechanisms of HIV-infection and targets for therapeutic intervention allowed to offer strategy for design of new effective anti-HIV/AIDS agents on the basis of two key principles: 1) intervention to infectious process beginning from the earliest stages of the virus penetration into cells; 2) blockade of not only one but several molecular targets of the HIV life cycle. The paper presents the results of the in vitro investigation of the anti-HIV activity (against several HIV-1 strains, including AZT-resistant ones) of new generation complex substances synthesized with application of the molecular substrategy for bifunctional inhibitors on the basis of a combination of nonspecific antiviral active polymeric anions with selective virus sensitive membranotropic pharmacophores of the adamantane and norbornene lines. The HIV-1 inhibiting potential of polymeric carboxylic acids (PKA) of various nature: synthetic polymeric analogues of succinic acid and carboxymethylated dextran was evaluated. It was shown that the antiviral action of PKA is located at the initial stages of HIV-1 penetration into cells and is markedly defined by balance of electrostatic activity and conformational mobility of the macromolecules. This corresponds to the evidence of the negatively charged macromolecules ability to bind the positively charged V3 loop within the viral protein gp120, preventing the HIV-1 adsorption on the surface of permissive cells. Chemical conjugation of the PKA with derivatives of the adamantane (amantadine and rimantadine analogues) or norbornene (related to deitiforin and natural bicyclic therpenoids) via spacer groups provides synergistic elevation of the anti-HIV-1 activity, first of all for the flexible chain PKA. The obtained result experimentally confirmed the theoretically predicted expansion of the anti-HIV-1 action of the bifunctional kind antivirals due to cooperation of the electrostatic potential of PKA with the virus specific hydrophobic activity needed to block postadsorption events of the HIV-1 life cycle, including both the virus penetration into cells and the virus posterity release from the infected cells. Additional cooperation of PKA with some special vectors targeted towards "Raft" domains of cellular membranes, epicentres for natural location of initial and completed stages of the HIV-1 replication cycle was also shown promising. The structure-function optimized samples exhibit high indexes of anti-HIV-1 selectivity up to IS50 = 10000.