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2',3'-dideoxynucleoside triphosphates (ddNTP) and di-2',3'-dideoxynucleoside tetraphosphates (ddNp4ddN) behave differently to the corresponding NTP and Np4N counterparts as substrates of firefly luciferase, dinucleoside tetraphosphatase and phosphodiesterases.

2',3'-Dideoxynucleosides (ddN) and their derivatives are currently used as antiretroviral compounds. Their active agents are the corresponding 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside triphosphates (ddNTPs) generated inside the cell by host kinases. Dinucleoside tetraphosphates (Np4Ns) are molecules of interest in metabolic regulation; their synthesis in vitro can be catalyzed by firefly luciferase. The relative synthesis of diadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate or adenosine(5')tetraphospho(5')adenosine (Ap4A) from ATP is about 100-fold faster than that of di-2',3'-dideoxyadenosine 5',5'''-P1,P4-tetraphosphate or 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (5')tetraphospho (5')-2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (ddAp4ddA) from ddATP. In the presence of ATPgammaS and ddATP the yield of adenosine(5')tetraphospo(5')-2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (Ap4ddA) was similar to that attained for Ap4A in the presence of ATP. The findings of this work indicate that the presence of a 3'-hydroxyl group is essential for the formation of the luciferase-luciferin-AMP complex, and explains the very low yield of ddAp4ddA in the presence of luciferase, luciferin and ddATP. The absence of 3'-hydroxyl groups in ddAp4ddA greatly hindered their hydrolysis by snake venom phosphodiesterase, asymmetrical dinucleoside tetraphosphatase and by a purified membrane preparation from rat liver. The possibility of using di-2',3'-dideoxynucleoside tetraphosphate (ddNp4ddN) or nucleoside(5')tetraphospho(5')-2',3'-dideoxynucleoside (Np4ddN) as a source of the active retroviral agent ddNTP, for example in HIV infection, is outlined.

Acid Anhydride Hydrolases↗

Ribavirin antagonizes inhibitory effects of pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides but enhances inhibitory effects of purine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides on replication of human immunodeficiency virus in vitro.

The combined antiviral effects of various 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides and ribavirin on the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in MT-4 cells have been examined. Ribavirin antagonized the antiviral activity of the pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides (3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine, 2',3'-dideoxythymidin-2'-ene, 2',3'-dideoxycytidine, and 2',3'-dideoxycytidin-2'-ene), but enhanced the antiviral activity of the purine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides (2',3'-dideoxyadenosine and 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine). Combinations of the 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides with each other were also examined. These combinations resulted in an additive to subsynergistic effect.

Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral↗

Cytidine diphosphate diglyceride analogs of antiretroviral dideoxynucleosides: evidence for release of dideoxynucleoside-monophosphates by phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes in rat liver subcellular fractions.

We recently synthesized phospholipid analogs with antiviral nucleosides in the polar headgroup and demonstrated their antiretroviral activity in vitro in human immunodeficiency virus-infected cells (Hostetler, K.Y., Stuhmiller, L.M., Lenting, H.B.M., van den Bosch, H. and Richman, D.D. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 6112-6117). Dideoxynucleoside analogs of cytidine diphosphate diglyceride (CDP-DG) represent one class of such phospholipid prodrugs from which the antiviral active principle may be released through established pathways of cellular phospholipid metabolism. We now demonstrate that the liponucleotides of dideoxycytidine, 3'-deoxythymidine and 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT, Zidovudine) can substitute to varying extents for CDP-DG in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol or diphosphatidylglycerol by rat liver subcellular fractions. In all three biosynthetic pathways dideoxycytidine diphosphate diglyceride was the most active donor of the phosphatidyl unit. The nearly stoichiometric formation of dideoxycytidine-5'-monophosphate during phosphatidylinositol biosynthesis supports the rationale that the antiretroviral liponucleotides may provide cells with a depot form from which the antiviral drug can be released in 5'-monophosphorylated form, thus bypassing the initial phosphorylation of free dideoxynucleosides.

Animals↗

Emergence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants with resistance to multiple dideoxynucleosides in patients receiving therapy with dideoxynucleosides.

A set of mutations [Ala-62-->Val(A62V), V75I, F77L, F116Y, and Q151M] in the polymerase domain of reverse transcriptase (RT) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) confers on the virus a reduced sensitivity to multiple antiretroviral dideoxynucleosides and has been seen in HIV-1 variants isolated from patients receiving combination chemotherapy with 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) plus 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC) or 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI). The IC50 values of AZT, ddC, ddI, 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine, and 2',3'-didehydro-3'-deoxythymidine against an infectious clone constructed to include the five mutations were significantly higher than those of a wild-type infectious clone. The K1 value for AZT 5'-triphosphate determined for the virus-associated RT from a posttherapy strain was 35-fold higher than that of RT from a pretherapy strain. Detailed analysis of HIV-1 strains isolated at various times during therapy showed that the Q151M mutation developed first in vivo, at the time when the viremia level suddenly increased, followed by the F116Y and F77L mutations. All five mutations ultimately developed, and the viremia level rose even further. Analyses based on the three-dimensional structure of HIV-1 RT suggest that the positions where at least several of the five mutations occur are located in close proximity to the proposed dNTP-binding site of RT and the first nucleotide position of the single-stranded template.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Decreased anti-human immunodeficiency virus type-1 activities of 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogs in MOLT-4 cell sublines resistant to 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogs.

Human T-lymphoid MOLT-4 cells were grown continuously for more than 1 year in medium containing either 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI) or 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC) at concentrations similar to peak plasma levels found in clinical trials in patients with AIDS. To test antiviral activities of the nucleoside analogs against HIV-1 in the cell sublines designated MOLT-4r-AZT, MOLT-4r-ddI and MOLT-4r-ddC, the number of infected cells, p24 HIV-1 antigen in culture medium and syncytium formation of infected cultures were determined. The results showed that anti-HIV-1 activities of AZT, ddI and ddC were significantly decreased in the resistant MOLT-4 cell sublines grown continuously with the respective nucleoside analog, probably due to the development of cell populations resistant to the drugs.

Cell Line↗

2',3'-Dideoxynucleoside phosphorylation by deoxycytidine kinase from normal human thymus extracts: activation of potential drugs for AIDS therapy.

As a first step toward improving dideoxynucleoside inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication in human lymphocytes, we examined the kinetics of 5'-phosphorylation of a series of 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides, using deoxycytidine kinase purified from human thymus extracts. Nucleosides with the 2'-deoxyribose moiety were activated 30 times faster than were 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides. The adenosine deaminase inhibitor, 2'-deoxycoformycin, showed an unexpected ability to inhibit purine and pyrimidine dideoxynucleoside phosphorylation; such inhibition was not competitive and was not observed when 2'-deoxycytidine was the substrate. 2'-Deoxycytidine, the natural substrate, inhibited dideoxynucleoside phosphorylation in a manner similar to that observed with 2'-deoxycoformycin. Thus, dideoxynucleosides are activated by deoxycytidine kinase through a different catalytic interaction than occurs in 5'-activation of 3'-hydroxynucleosides by this enzyme.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

In vitro models to predict the in vivo mechanism, rate, and extent of placental transfer of dideoxynucleoside drugs against human immunodeficiency virus.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that the mechanism, rate, and extent of in vivo placental transfer of dideoxynucleoside drugs against human immunodeficiency virus can be predicted by the in vitro perfused human placenta and the drug octanol-water partition coefficient. STUDY DESIGN: Near-term pregnant macaques (Macaca nemestrina ) underwent long-term catheterization for the administration of 4 dideoxynucleosides against human immunodeficiency virus: zidovudine, didanosine, zalcitabine, and stavudine. Maternal plasma, fetal plasma, and amniotic fluid concentrations were determined frequently after intravenous bolus and/or infusion of the drugs administered into the maternal or fetal circulation on separate occasions. Antipyrine was included in all experiments as a marker of placental blood flow. The mechanism, rate, and extent of placental transfer of the 4 dideoxynucleosides in perfused human placenta were determined and compared with the findings obtained by others. RESULTS: The mechanism and rate of the antipyrine-normalized placental transfer of the 4 dideoxynucleosides in perfused human placenta were highly correlated with those observed in vivo. The extent of placental transfer (fetal/maternal steady-state plasma concentration ratio) was also highly correlated with both the antipyrine-normalized placental transfer clearance (clearance index) determined in the in vitro perfused human placenta model (r 2 = 0.95, in vitro clearance-index model) and the drug octanol-water partition coefficient (r 2 = 0.99, in vitro partition-coefficient model). To determine the predictive capacity of these correlative models, we predicted the fetal/maternal steady-state plasma concentration ratio of each drug after excluding the data on that drug from the model fit. Both in vitro models to predict in vivo placental transfer of drug models resulted in good predictions of the observed fetal/maternal steady-state plasma concentration ratio (mean error: in vitro clearance-index model = -1. 2%; in vitro partition-coefficient model = 3.9%). CONCLUSIONS: We propose that our models will accurately predict the extent of placental transfer of dideoxynucleoside drugs against human immunodeficiency virus. The models may also be applicable to other classes of drugs, regardless of therapeutic category, provided that these drugs passively diffuse across the placenta. Such a result will expedite phase 1 clinical trials of drugs in pregnant women.

Animals↗

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1/HTLV-IIIBa-L) replication in fresh and cultured human peripheral blood monocytes/macrophages by azidothymidine and related 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides.

Because of the probable role of HIV-infected monocyte/macrophages in the pathogenesis and progression of AIDS, it is essential that antiretroviral therapy address viral replication in cells of this lineage. Several dideoxynucleosides have been shown to have potent in vitro and, in the case of 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT) and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), in vivo activity against HIV. However, because these compounds must be phosphorylated (activated) in target cells, and because monocyte/macrophages may have levels of kinases that differ from those in lymphocytes, we investigated the capacity of these drugs to suppress HIV replication in monocyte/macrophages using HIV-1/HTLV-IIIBa-L (a monocytotropic isolate). In the present study, we observed that HTLV-IIIBa-L replication in fresh human peripheral blood monocyte/macrophages was suppressed by each of three dideoxynucleosides: 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT), 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), and 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (ddA). Similar results were observed in 5-d-cultured monocyte/macrophages, although higher concentrations of the drugs were required. We then studied the metabolism of AZT and ddC in such cells. The phosphorylation of ddC to a triphosphate moiety was somewhat decreased in monocyte/macrophages as compared with H9 T cells. On the other hand, the phosphorylation of AZT in monocyte/macrophages was markedly decreased to 25% or less of the level in T cells. However, when we examined the level of the normal endogenous 2'-deoxynucleoside triphosphate pools, which compete with 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside triphosphate for viral reverse transcriptase, we found that the level of 2'-deoxycytidine-triphosphate (dCTP) was six- to eightfold reduced, and that of 2'-deoxythymidine-triphosphate (dTTP) was only a small fraction of that found in T cell lines. These results suggest that the ratio of dideoxynucleoside triphosphate to normal deoxynucleoside triphosphate is a crucial factor in determining the antiviral activity of dideoxynucleosides in HIV target cells, and that the lower levels of dTTP may account for the antiretroviral activity of AZT in the face of inefficient phosphorylation of this compound.

Antiviral Agents↗

Expression of deoxynucleotide carrier is not associated with the mitochondrial DNA depletion caused by anti-HIV dideoxynucleoside analogs and mitochondrial dNTP uptake.

Our previous studies suggested that the dNTP/dNDP transporter systems that exist in mitochondria for transporting dNTP/dNDP from the cytoplasm to the mitochondria for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) synthesis play a critical role in delayed cytotoxicity of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) dideoxynucleoside analogs in mitochondria. A protein, termed mitochondrial deoxynucleotide carrier (DNC), based on its ability to transport dNTPs in reconstituted proteoliposomes, was recently isolated. Lacking cellular information to substantiate DNC's involvement in the delayed cytotoxicity of dideoxynucleoside analogs, we expressed DNC and reconstituted it into proteoliposomes. The K(m) values for dNTPs uptake by reconstituted DNC were in the millimolar range, which is a thousandfold higher than that of the physiological level. Furthermore, we found that overexpressing DNC (wt and G177A-mutated DNC) in RKO cells did not sensitize the cells to the mtDNA depletion caused by beta-d-2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxythymidine, and 2',3'-dideoxyinosine or affect the mtDNA recovery rate after ddC treatment. Mitochondria isolated from DNC-overexpressing cells did not significantly differ from that isolated from RKO cells in terms of the rate of uptake or the incorporation of dTTP into mitochondria DNA. Down-regulation of DNC expression by small interfering RNA was also ineffective in changing the action of dideoxynucleoside analogs on the mtDNA depletion and the rate of dTTP uptake into isolated mitochondria. Down-regulation of both DNC and thymidine kinase-2 also did not cause mtDNA depletion. We conclude that DNC does not play an important role in the delayed cytotoxicity (mtDNA depletion) of anti-HIV dideoxynucleoside analogs and dNTPs uptake into mitochondria.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Disparate actions of hydroxyurea in potentiation of purine and pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside activities against replication of human immunodeficiency virus.

We and other groups have recently reported the potentiation by ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors such as hydroxyurea of the anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity of purine and pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides in both resting and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Little agreement prevails, however, as to the mechanism of the synergistic effects described. We report here that in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, two mechanisms exist for the potentiation of the anti-HIV-1 activity by low-dose hydroxyurea of the purine-based dideoxynucleoside 2',3'-dideoxyinosine and the pyrimidine-based dideoxynucleosides 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine. For 2',3'-dideoxyinosine, the enhancement arises from a specific depletion of dATP by hydroxyurea, resulting in a favorable shift of the 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine 5'-triphosphate/dATP ratio. For the pyrimidine dideoxynucleosides 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine and 2',3'-dideoxycytidine, the more modest anti-HIV enhancement results from hydroxyurea-induced increases of pyrimidine kinase activities in the salvage pathway and, hence, increased 5'-phosphorylation of these drugs, while depletion of the corresponding deoxynucleoside 5'-triphosphates (dTTP and dCTP) plays no significant role.

Adenosine Kinase↗

Removal of anti-human immunodeficiency virus 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside monophosphates from DNA by a novel human cytosolic 3'-->5' exonuclease.

A 3'-->5' exonuclease has been highly purified from the cytosol of human acute lymphoblastic leukemia H9 cells. The apparent molecular weight of this enzyme was approximately 50,000, as indicated by its sedimentation in glycerol gradients. The exonuclease did not copurify with DNA polymerase activity, required MgCl2 for its exonucleolytic activity, and was inhibited by KCl above 60 mM. The enzyme was active on single-stranded DNA, DNA duplexes and DNA/RNA duplexes, and it was efficient at removing 3'-terminal mispairs from DNA. The products of the exonucleolytic reaction were deoxynucleoside 5'-monophosphates. The behavior of the exonuclease was examined on DNA terminated at the 3' end with a variety of dideoxynucleosides that are potent against human immunodeficiency virus type 1. The exonuclease has a broad substrate specificity; however, the rate of the enzymatic reaction varied among the D dideoxynucleosides tested (ddAMP = ddCMP > d4TMP > AZTMP). Similarly, the enzyme was examined for its reactivity with DNA terminated by either the D or L enantiomers of ddC, SddC or FddC. The removal of analogs with the native D configuration was at least 6-fold more rapid than that of the L-compounds, and the type of structural modification had an impact on the rate at which the D enantiomers were removed (SddCMP > ddCMP > FddCMP). The monophosphate forms of AZT, D4T, L-FddC and L-ddC were potent inhibitors of the exonuclease at micromolar concentrations, while D-ddCMP partially inhibited the enzyme at millimolar concentrations. Based on its physical and enzymatic properties, this exonuclease represents a novel enzyme that may have an important role in determining the relative potencies of dideoxynucleosides against human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Antiviral Agents↗

Inhibition of duck hepatitis B virus replication by purine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides.

Primary hepatocyte cultures from duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infected ducklings were used to evaluate the antiviral activity of purine and pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides. The purine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides were very effective inhibitors of hepadnavirus replication, whereas the pyrimidine dideoxynucleosides were not. 2',3'-Dideoxyguanosine and 2,6-diaminopurine 2',3'-dideoxyriboside (ddDAPR) were the most effective antiviral agents studied. ddDAPR given intramuscularly twice daily at 10 mg/kg rapidly cleared DHBV-DNA from the sera of persistently infected ducklings but this effect was not permanent.

Animals↗

Novel 6-alkoxypurine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides as inhibitors of the cytopathic effect of the human immunodeficiency virus.

Twenty-one 6-alkoxypurine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides were enzymatically synthesized with nucleoside phosphorylases purified from E. coli. Eighteen analogs exhibited anti-HIV-1 activity in MT4 cells. Two analogs, 6-(hexyloxy)-(17) and 6-(heptyloxy)-(18) purine 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside, were as potent as 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI, didanosine, Videx). Although the antiviral activities of 17 and 18 were equivalent, 18 was more cytotoxic. Analogs containing less than four carbons in the 6-alkoxypurine substituent exhibited weak anti-HIV-1 activity. Analogs containing more than seven carbons in the 6-alkoxypurine substituent were too cytotoxic to be effectively evaluated for antiviral activity. Several 6-alkoxypurine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides were evaluated for substrate activity with calf intestinal adenosine deaminase (ADA). Increasing the carbon chain length of the 6-alkoxypurine substituent decreased the rate of dealkoxylation. The best substrate in this series was 6-methoxypurine 2',3'-dideoxynucleaside (1); however, the rate of dealkoxylation of 100 microM 1 was 0.17% of the rate of deamination of 100 microM 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine. Compound 17, the most potent anti-HIV-1 analog, was not a substrate for ADA. EHNA (erthro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine), a potent inhibitor of ADA, had little effect on the antiviral activities of 17 and ddI. In contrast, coformycin, a potent inhibitor of both ADA and AMP deaminase, dramatically decreased the antiviral activity of 17, but not the antiviral activity of ddI. Thus, AMP deaminase appeared to be involved in the anabolism of 17. The pharmacokinetic profile of 17, the most promising analog in this series, was determined in the rat. At least seventeen metabolites of 17, including ddI, were detected in plasma samples. This analog also had poor oral bioavailability.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

3'-Fluoro-2',3'-dideoxy-5-chlorouridine: most selective anti-HIV-1 agent among a series of new 2'- and 3'-fluorinated 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside analogues.

A series of 2'- and 3'-fluorinated 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxynucleosides were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) replication in MT-4 cells. Neither conversion of 3'-fluoro- or 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyadenosine to the corresponding inosine derivatives nor 8-bromination of 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine resulted in increased anti-HIV-1 activity. Nor did introduction of a 2'-fluorine in the erythro or threo configuration lead to improved anti-HIV-1 activity of the parent 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides. 1-(2-Fluoro-2,3-dideoxy-beta-D-threo-pentofuranosyl)cytosine and 1-(2-fluoro-2,3-dideoxy-beta-D-erythropentofuranosyl)thymine were only marginally active. However, 3'-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (FddUrd) proved to be potent and a relatively nontoxic inhibitor of HIV-1. 5-Halogenated derivatives of FddUrd were prepared in attempts to further increase its anti-HIV potency and selectivity. Of these 5-halogenated derivatives, 3'-fluoro-2',3'-dideoxy-5-chlorouridine emerged as the most selective inhibitor of HIV-1 replication. Its selectivity index was comparable to that of azidothymidine when evaluated under the same conditions.

Antiviral Agents↗

Developmental pharmacology and toxicology of anti-HIV therapeutic agents: dideoxynucleosides.

As the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has increased in women over the past decade, the need for safe, effective therapy during pregnancy has increased concomitantly. Although dideoxynucleosides such as 3'-deoxy-3'-azidothymidine (AZT), 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI), 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddC), and 2',3'-didehydro-3'-deoxythymidine have been approved for use in the general population, the administration, efficacy, and toxicity of these compounds during pregnancy and development are now being investigated. Initial human studies suggest that maternal use of AZT during pregnancy is well tolerated by both mother and child and provides a promising degree of protection from vertical HIV transmission to the infant. In vitro and animal models have greatly increased our understanding of the distribution and toxicity resulting from fetal dideoxynucleoside exposure. AZT, ddI, and ddC rapidly cross the placenta by simple diffusion but with different rates of transfer. In vivo data confirm the differential transfer of these compounds with AZT fetal exposure approximately twice that of ddI or ddC. Active phosphorylated metabolites have been detected in placental tissue after in vitro perfusion with AZT. The active triphosphate has not been detected in placental perfusion studies or in the fetal rhesus monkey 3 h after maternal exposure to ddI or ddC. Although in vitro and in vivo laboratory animal studies suggest the potential for toxicity with preimplantation exposure, the risk for teratogenic events after postimplantational exposure appears to be low at therapeutically effective concentrations of these dideoxynucleosides.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

In vitro and in vivo comparison of the abilities of purine and pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides to inhibit duck hepadnavirus.

Four purine and two pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides were studied for their ability to inhibit duck hepadnavirus replication. The purine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides were more potent antiviral agents than the pyrimidine 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides. The concentration for 50% inhibition of viral replication (IC50) was determined for each of the effective agents. Two drugs with low IC50s, 2,6-diaminopurine 2',3'-dideoxyriboside and 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine, were chosen for in vivo studies. Animals received 10 mg/kg intramuscularly twice daily. Rapid clearance of hepadnavirus DNA from the sera of the animals was seen as a result of treatment with 2,6-diaminopurine 2',3'-dideoxyriboside; however, treatment with 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine did not clear the virus.

Animals↗

Anti-human immunodeficiency virus effects of dextran sulfate are strain dependent and synergistic or antagonistic when dextran sulfate is given in combination with dideoxynucleosides.

The effects of three molecular weight ranges of dextran sulfate on five different human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) isolates (from patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), alone and in combination with dideoxynucleosides, were investigated in vitro. The higher the molecular weight range of dextran sulfate, the more potent the activity as assessed by a quantitative syncytium formation assay. Although all five HIV isolates had similar susceptibilities to the inhibitory effects of dideoxynucleosides, the two clinical isolates of HIV (HIV type 1 [HIV-1] TM and SP) exhibited a pattern of reduced susceptibility to dextran sulfate when compared with the two cloned isolates (HIV-1 WMF and HIV-2 ROD) and a prototype laboratory strain (HIV-1 IIIB). In combination with dideoxynucleosides, the high-molecular-weight range of dextran sulfate (500,000) resulted in an antagonistic response directed against the two clinical isolates of HIV (HIV-1 TM and SP) when the antiviral concentrations of dextran sulfate were in the ineffective range. Additive or synergistic effects were seen with the other three HIV isolates and all five HIV isolates when the low-molecular-weight range of dextran sulfate (8,000) was used. The results of these studies raise issues on the impact of drug-resistant strains on disease progression and the use of dextran sulfate in combination with nucleoside analogs for the clinical management of HIV disease.

Cells, Cultured↗

Factors determining the activity of 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides in suppressing human immunodeficiency virus in vitro.

Mitsuya and Broder [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:1911-1915 (1986)] demonstrated that every purine (adenosine, guanosine, and inosine) and pyrimidine (cytidine and thymidine) nucleoside containing the 2',3'-dideoxyribose configuration, when evaluated against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro, significantly suppressed both the infectivity and the cytopathic effect of the virus, with 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddCyd) being the most potent of the series (total antiviral protection at 0.5-1.0 microM). We have compared three factors likely to be of significance in determining the pharmacological activity of these compounds, i.e., (i) their abilities to influence pool sizes of physiological deoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates, (ii) their capacity to generate the corresponding 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates, and (iii) the effectiveness of these nucleoside-5'-triphosphates as inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. In MOLT-4 cells (a human T cell line), ddCyd was the compound most efficiently converted to its 5'-triphosphate, whereas 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine and 2',3'-dideoxythymidine were the compounds least efficiently converted, generating levels of their corresponding 5'-triphosphates less than 0.1% of that seen with ddCyd when these nucleosides were compared on an equimolar basis (5 microM). The 3'-azido analogue of 2',3'-dideoxythymidine fell intermediate between these two extremes. As inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase, however, all the 5'-triphosphates, with the exception of 2',3'-dideoxyinosine-5'-triphosphate, fell within a narrow range of activity (Ki, 0.10-0.26 microM), affinities some 40-60 fold greater than those of the corresponding physiological 2'-deoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates. Significant alterations in pool sizes of physiological 2'-deoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates were not observed at pharmacologically effective drug levels. The relative ability of 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides to generate 5'-triphosphates intracellularly thus correlates much more closely than do the other two factors examined, in capacity to block HIV replication. These studies support the conclusion that, for purposes of design of new compounds of this general class, factors influencing efficiency of nucleotide formation and degradation (e.g., membrane transport mechanisms, affinities for nucleoside kinases and for nucleotide kinases and phosphatases) may be of equal or even greater importance than differences in the relative abilities of the resultant 2',3'-dideoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates to inhibit the viral reverse transcriptase.

Antiviral Agents↗