Synthesis and anti-measles virus activity of new isoquinolin-4-one derivatives

Despite intense efforts to increase vaccine coverage, measles virus (MV) still causes significant morbidity and mortality in the world sometimes as a results of severe, chronic and lethal diseases. In an effort to develop therapies to supplement immunization strategies a number of 1-oxo-2-[[(1E)-phenylmethylene]amino]-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-4-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-measles activity. The substituents on the aromatic ring were chosen in order to evaluate the influence of electron-withdrawing or electron-donating effects on the electronic density of the aromatic moiety. We also evaluated the introduction of a vinyl chain between the exocyclic nitrogen and phenyl moiety. The biological results allow to outline some preliminary considerations on structure-activity relationship.