Inhibition of subgenomic hepatitis C virus RNA replication by acridone derivatives: identification of an NS3 helicase inhibitor

J Med Chem. 2009 May 28;52(10):3354-65. doi: 10.1021/jm801608u.

Abstract

We report the synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) of a large series of acridones and acridone-fragment derivatives designed on the basis of the selective antihepatitis C virus (HCV) activity shown by acridone 2, previously studied as a potential antibovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) compound. The evaluation of their ability to inhibit the HCV replication in Huh-5-2 cells led to the identification of new, selective inhibitors. This indicates that the acridone skeleton, when properly functionalized, is a suitable scaffold to obtain potential anti-HCV agents. Interestingly, during identification of possible cellular and viral targets, it was discovered that compound 23 exerts inhibitory activity on the HCV NS3 helicase, a very promising target for the development of anti-HCV drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acridines / chemical synthesis*
  • Acridines / pharmacology
  • Acridones
  • Antiviral Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Hepacivirus / genetics*
  • Hepacivirus / physiology
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • RNA Helicases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Virus Replication / drug effects*

Substances

  • Acridines
  • Acridones
  • Antiviral Agents
  • NS3 protein, hepatitis C virus
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • acridone
  • RNA Helicases