Inhibition of Influenza Virus Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase by Ribavirin Triphosphate |
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| Authors: | Bertil Eriksson Erik Helgstrand Nils Gunnar Johansson Alf Larsson Alfons Misiorny Jan Olof Noren Lennart Philipson Kjell Stenberg Goran Stening Stig Stridh Bo ?berg |
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| Affiliation: | Research and Development Laboratories, Astra Läkemedel AB, Södertälje, and Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Center, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | Ribavirin 5′-triphosphate (RTP), derived from the broad-spectrum antiviral compound ribavirin (Virazole), can selectively inhibit influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay. Ribavirin and its 5′-monophosphate have no effect on the polymerase. The inhibition is competitive with respect to adenosine 5′-triphosphate and guanosine 5′-triphosphate. RTP also inhibits ApG- and GpC-stimulated influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase. Since ribavirin is phosphorylated in the cell, the inhibition of influenza multiplication in the cell may also be caused by RTP. |
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