Herpes simplex virus-type synthesis inhibition

Mechanism of Action Penciclovir triphosphate inhibits HSV polymerase competitively with deoxyguanosine triphosphate. Consequently, herpes viral DNA synthesis and, therefore, replication are selectively inhibited. Therapeutic Effect An antiviral compound that has inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1)... 

Soyasaponin I and II were studied in vitro against herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1). Soyasaponin II was more potent than soyasaponin I in the reduction of HSV-1 production. Soyasaponin II was also found to inhibit the replication of human cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1. This activity was not due to the inhibition of virus penetration and protein synthesis, but might involve a virucidal effect. When acyclovir and soyasaponin II were evaluated in combination for anti-HSV-1 activity, additive antiviral effects were observed for this virus [160]. Astragaloside II afforded almost 100% protection of T-lymphocytes in vitro against the cytophatic effects of HIV infection. However, the EC50 of ca. 2.5 x 105 molar was difficult to achieve in vivo [98],... 

Vidarabine [vye DARE a been] arabinofuranosyl adenine, ara-A, adenine arabinoside) is one of the most effective of the nucleoside analogs and is also the least toxic. However, it has been supplanted clinically by acyclovir, which is more efficacious and safe. Although vidarabine is active against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), its use is limited to treatment of immunocompromised patients with herpes simplex keratitis or encephalitis, or VZV infections. Vidarabine, an adenosine analog, is converted in the cell to its 5 -triphosphate analog (ara-ATP), which is postulated to inhibit viral DNA synthesis. Some resistant herpes virus... 

Castanospermine has been screened for efficacy against simian immunodeficiency virus (265), and has been shown to prevent syncytium formation in feline astrocyte cultures infected with the feline immimodeficiency virus by modifying the viral cell envelope (266). It suppressed syncytium formation and hemolytic activity in baby hamster kidney cells infected with Newcastle disease virus however, synthesis and cell surface expression of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase glycoprotein in the viral envelope were not affected, which strengthens the hypothesis that poor transport of the parent alkaloid across membrane barriers may limit its therapeutic use (267). Both 239 and its 6-0-butanoyl ester had comparable relative toxicities and antiviral effects on Rauscher murine leukemia virus (268), but the ester was more potent than the parent alkaloid in inhibiting replication of Moloney murine leukemia virus (258). The ester was also active against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (269,270). In the latter case, conclusive evidence was provided for intracellular hydrolysis to 239. 

Thiosemicarbazones of 2-acetylpyridine strongly inhibit the in vivo replication of herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2, without greatly affecting cellular DNA or protein synthesis (Shipman etal., 1981). 

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