Measles virus antiviral agents

The first synthesis of racemic [9-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)adenine] DHPA, C H N O was reported in 1965 (59), and the synthesis of the (R)- and (5)-enantiomers of DHPA was reported later (60). Subsequendy (5)-DHPA [54262-83-8] (29) was shown to be active against a broad range of DNA and RNA vimses including vaccinia, HSV-1, HSV-2, measles, and vesicular stomatitis viruses. The racemic mixture, (R,3)-DHPA [55904-02-4] was almost as active as the (3)-enantiomer. However, the (R)-isomer of DHPA was inactive as an antiviral agent. 

Saikosaponin d (50) from Bupleurum falcatum is not suitable to be applied as an antiviral agent because of its strong cytotoxic activity on host cells, but it is highly active in vitro as an inactivating agent on viruses with envelopes such as measles and herpes [151]. 

Viruses are small infectious agents composed of a nucleic acid genome (DNA or RNA) encased by structural proteins and in some cases a lipid envelope. They are the causative agents of a number of human infectious diseases, the most important for public health today being acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis, influenza, measles, and vituses causing diarrhoea (e.g., rotavirus). In addition, certain viruses contribute to the development of cancer. Antiviral drugs inhibit viral replication by specifically targeting viral enzymes or functions and are used to treat specific virus-associated diseases. 

Viral Vaccination. Vaccines, agents that elicit a specific antiviral iniiiLuiie response, have been very successful against smallpox, measles, rubella, poliomyelitis, and yellow fever, all of which are generalized diseases. Vaccines against diseases caused by respiratory tract viruses, where great antigenic diversity is found, have been less effective. 

---