The 2',3'-dideoxyriboside of 2,6-diaminopurine and its 2',3'-didehydro derivative inhibit the deamination of 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine, an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication

The 2',3'-dideoxyriboside of 2,6-diaminopurine (ddDAPR) and its 2',3'-didehydro derivative (ddeDAPR) are poor substrates for adenosine deaminase (ADA) but potent inhibitors of the enzyme. Their Km values for ADA are of the same order of magnitude as those of the natural adenosine (Ado) and 2'-deoxyadenosine (dAdo), but their Vmax values are 35-fold (ddDAPR) to 350-fold (ddeDAPR) lower than those of Ado and dAdo. The Ki/K values of ADA for ddeDAPR (as inhibitor) and Ado, 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (ddAdo) and 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (araA) as the substrates are 0.17, 0.05 and 0.06, respectively. ddDAPR is about 3-fold less potent as an inhibitor of ADA than ddeDAPR. The 2,6-diaminopurine derivatives ddeDAPR and ddDAPR [which is also a potent inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)], may hold great promise, from a chemotherapeutic viewpoint, in combination with other adenosine analogues such as ddAdo and araA, which have been recognized and/or being pursued as either anti-retrovirus or anti-herpesvirus agents.     

The antiviral activity of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine is enhanced by the 2',3'-dideoxyriboside, the 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyriboside and the 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyriboside of 2,6-diaminopurine

The 2',3'-dideoxyriboside (ddDAPR), 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxyriboside (ddeDAPR) and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyriboside (AzddDAPR) of 2,6-diaminopurine have been previously recognized as potent inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication. These compounds are also potent inhibitors of adenosine deaminase and inhibit the deamination of 9-beta-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (araA). ddDAPR, ddeDAPR and AzddDAPR markedly potentiate the antiviral activity of araA against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), type 2 (HSV-2) and vaccinia virus (VV). When used at a concentration of 20 micrograms/ml, which had by itself no antiviral effect, ddDAPR, ddeDAPR and AzddDAPR increased the ability of araA to suppress HSV-1, HSV-2 and VV yield by several orders of magnitude. The maximum antiviral effect was obtained with the combinations of ddDAPR or ddeDAPR with araA concentrations of 1 and 10 micrograms/ml.     

Selective inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by 3'-azido-2', 3'-dideoxyguanosine in vitro

3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (AzddGuo) is a potent and selective inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro. AzddGuo completely inhibits HIV-induced cytopathogenicity and viral antigen expression in MT-4 cells at a concentration of 5.0 microM. Its 50% effective dose for inhibiting HIV-induced cytopathogenicity is 1.4 microM, as compared to 6.4 microM for 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine (ddAdo). Thus, AzddGuo is approximately 4.6-fold more potent as an anti-HIV agent than ddAdo, one of the most promising compounds for the treatment of AIDS. However, AzddGuo is about 4.7 times more cytotoxic than ddAdo, so that its selectivity index, as based on the ratio of the 50% cytotoxic dose to the 50% antiviral effective dose, is almost the same as that of ddAdo (136 and 139, respectively).     

Both 2',3'-dideoxythymidine and its 2',3'-unsaturated derivative (2',3'-dideoxythymidinene) are potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication in vitro

2',3'-Dideoxythymidine (ddThd) and its 2',3'-unsaturated derivative 2',3'-dideoxythymidinene (ddeThd) are potent and selective inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro. When evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the cytopathogenicity of HIV in MT-4 cells, ddThd and ddeThd completely protected the cells against destruction by the virus at a concentration of 1 microM and 0.04 microM, respectively. In this aspect, ddeThd was about 5 times more potent than 2',3'-dideoxycytidine (ddCyd), one of the most potent and selective anti-HIV compounds now pursued for its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AIDS. ddThd and ddeThd also suppressed HIV antigen expression at 1 microM and 0.04 microM, respectively. Their selectivity indexes, as based on the ratio of the 50% cytotoxic dose to the 50% antiviral effective dose, were 120 (ddeThd) and greater than 625 (ddThd).     

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.     

Effects of trialkyllead compounds on growth, respiration and ion transport in Escherichia coli K12

Triethyllead and tripropyllead cations affected growth, energy metabolism and ion transport in Escherichia coli K12. The tripropyllead compound was more liposoluble than the triethyl analogue and was also more effective in inhibiting cell growth and the oxygen uptake of both intact cells and membrane particles. Triethyllead acetate (5 microM) inhibited growth on non-fermentable carbon sources, such as glycerol and succinate, more markedly than on glucose. At higher concentrations, triethyllead caused significant inhibition of respiration rates of intact cells; the concentration giving 50% inhibition was 60 microM for glycerol-grown cells and 150 microM for glucose-grown cells. Oxidation of succinate by membrane particles was less sensitive to inhibition by the tripropyl- or triethyllead compounds than were the oxidations of DL-lactate or NADH. Triethyllead acetate [1.9 mumol (mg membrane protein)-1] inhibited the reduction by NADH of cytochromes; evidence for more than one site of inhibition in the respiratory chain was obtained. Membrane-bound ATPase activity was strongly inhibited by triethyllead acetate in the absence or presence of Cl-. The concentration of inhibitor giving 50% inhibition [0.02 mumol (mg membrane protein)-1] was about two orders of magnitude lower than that required for 50% inhibition of substrate oxidation rates in membranes. Triethyllead acetate (1 microM) induced swelling of spheroplasts in iso-osmotic solutions of either NH4Cl or NH4Br, presumably as a result of the mediation by the organolead compound of Cl-/OH- and Br-/OH- antiports across the cytoplasmic membrane. Similar exchanges of OH- for F-, NO3- or SO4(2)- or the uniport of H+ could not be demonstrated. Comparisons are drawn between the effects of trialkyllead compounds and those of the more widely studied trialkyltin compounds.     

Simultaneous determination of 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine and novel prodrugs in rat plasma by liquid chromatography

3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (AZDU) is a nucleoside analog structurally similar to zidovudine (AZT) with proven activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method to quantitatively determine AZDU and its novel prodrugs in rat plasma simultaneously. A reversed-phase gradient elution HPLC method was developed to quantitate AZDU and its prodrugs, N3-pivaloyloxymethyl-3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (I), 5'-pivaloyloxymethyl-3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine (II), 5'-O-valinyl-3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine hydrochloride (III) and 5'-O-phenylalanyl-3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxyuridine hydrochloride (IV), in rat plasma. AZDU and its prodrugs were analyzed using an octadecyl silane column with a mobile phase consisting of 0.04 microM sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.0, and acetonitrile, running in a segmented gradient manner at a flow rate of 2 ml/min. Acetonitrile was increased from 10 to 50% during the first 8 min by 5% per min, followed by 10% per min until it reached 90% acetonitrile. 3'-Azido-2',3'-dideoxy-5-ethyluridine (CS-85) was used as an internal standard (25 microg/ml). Compounds were detected by UV absorption at 261 nm. Extraction recoveries for all compounds were greater than 80%. Retention times of AZDU, CS-85, prodrugs I, II, III and IV were 3.3, 5.2, 9.1, 8.8, 6.3 and 7.3 min, respectively. Calibration plots were linear over the range of 0.25-100 microg/ml for AZDU and prodrugs II, III, and IV and 0.5-100 microg/ml for prodrug I. The limit of quantitation was 0.25 microg/ml for prodrugs II, III and IV and 0.5 microg/ml for prodrug I. The intra- and inter-day variations were less than 10% and accuracies were greater than 90%. This method is rapid, sensitive and reproducible for the determination of AZDU and prodrugs in rat plasma.     

Potent antitumor N-mustard derivatives of 9-anilinoacridine, synthesis and antitumor evaluation

A series of 9-anilinoacridine N-mustard derivatives, in which the alkylating N-mustard residue was linked to the C-3' or C-4' position of the anilino ring with an O-ethylene spacer, was synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity against human lymphoblastic leukemic cells (CCRF-CEM) in culture. The results showed that all of the new compounds exhibited potent cytotoxicity with IC(50) values ranging from 0.002 to 0.7 microM, which were as potent or significantly more potent than 3-(9-acridinylamino)-5-hydroxymethylaniline (AHMA). Compound 9 did not exhibit cross-resistance against both vinblastine-resistant (CCRF-CEM/VBL) and taxol-resistant (CCRF-CEM/taxol) cells. Additionally, compound 9 demonstrated potent antitumor effect in nude mice bearing human breast carcinoma MX-1 xenografts, resulting in complete tumor remission in two out of three mice at the maximal dose of 1-2mg/kg (Q3Dx7) or 3mg/kg (Q4Dx5) via intravenous injection.     

Nucleobase transporter-mediated permeation of 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine in human erythrocytes and human T-lymphoblastoid CCRF-CEM cells.

Several 2',3'-dideoxynucleosides (ddNs), agents that inhibit the replication of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus, enter mammalian cells by simple diffusion. In this report, we show that the membrane permeation of 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (ddG) in human erythrocytes and CCRF-CEM cells, in contrast with that of other ddNs, is transporter-mediated. Inward fluxes of ddG in both cell types were inhibited by adenine, hypoxanthine, and acyclovir, but not by inhibitors of nucleoside transport (nitrobenzylthioinosine, dipyridamole, dilazep). Fluxes of ddG in human erythrocytes were attributable to a single, rate-saturable process (Km, 380 +/- 90 microM and Vmax, 7.9 +/- 0.8 pmol/s/microliter cell water) that was competitively inhibited by adenine (Ki, 16 microM). These results showed that ddG entered human erythrocytes and CCRF-CEM cells by a transporter-mediated process that was also the basis for entry of purine nucleobases. In contrast, inward fluxes of 2,6-diaminopurine-2',3'-dideoxyriboside (ddDAPR), a prodrug of ddG, were not affected by purine nucleobases or nucleoside transport inhibitors in either cell type. Thus, the permeation properties of ddDAPR resembled those of 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine, a diffusional permeant (cell uptake is transporter-independent), and contrasted with those of ddG, the deamination product of ddDAPR. This study demonstrated that the nucleobase moiety of ddNs is an important determinant of membrane permeation.     

The novel pyrimidine and purine derivatives of l-ascorbic acid: synthesis, one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR study, cytostatic and antiviral evaluation

The syntheses of the novel C-5 substituted pyrimidine derivatives of l-ascorbic acid containing free hydroxy groups at C-2' (6-10) or C-2' and C-3' (11-15) positions of the lactone ring are described. Debenzylation of the 6-chloro- and 6-(N-pyrrolyl)purine derivatives of 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-l-ascorbic acid (16 and 17) gave the new compounds containing hydroxy groups at C-2' (18) and C-2' and C-3' (19 and 20). Z- and E-configuration of the C4'C5' double bond and position of the lactone ring of the compounds 6-9 were deduced from their one- and two-dimensional (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra and connectivities in NOESY and HMBC spectra. Compounds 15 and 18 showed the best inhibitory activities of all evaluated compounds in the series. The compound 15 containing 5-(trifluoromethyl)uracil showed marked inhibitory activity against all human malignant cell lines (IC(50): 5.6-12.8 microM) except on human T-lymphocytes. Besides, this compound influenced the cell cycle by increasing the cell population in G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in SW 620 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. The compound 18 containing 6-chloropurine ring expressed the most pronounced inhibitory activities against HeLa (IC(50): 6.8 microM) and MiaPaCa-2 cells (IC(50): 6.5 microM). The compound 20 with 6-(N-pyrrolyl)purine moiety showed the best differential inhibitory effect against MCF-7 cells (IC(50): 35.9 microM).     

Activity of some dehydrogenase enzymes in mitochondria from Physarum polycephalum.

1. Coupled mitochondria were isolated from exponentially growing Physarum polycephalum. 2. Activity of malate dehydrogenase (oxalacetate reduction) was 10.9 mumol/min/mg protein; the apparent Km was 64 microM. 3. The activity of NADP-isocitric dehydrogenase (IDH) was 110 nmol/min/mg with apparent Km of 35 microM. 4. NAD-IDH showed allosteric properties with AMP as a positive modulator. The apparent Km for the unmodulated activity, 2 mM, was decreased to 0.95 mM by 0.13 mM AMP. 5. Succinic dehydrogenase activity was estimated as three times higher than that of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. 6. Mitochondria contained significant amounts of phenolic compounds. Protein estimation by the Bradford method is recommended.     

The soybean vegetative storage proteins VSP alpha and VSP beta are acid phosphatases active on polyphosphates.

The soybean vegetative storage protein genes (vspA, and vspB) are regulated in a complex manner developmentally and in response to external stimuli such as wounding and water deficit. The proteins accumulate to almost one-half the amount of soluble leaf protein when soybean plants are continually depodded and have been identified as storage proteins because of their abundance and pattern of expression in plant tissues. We have shown that purified VSP homodimers (VSP alpha and VSP beta) and heterodimers (VSP alpha/beta) possess acid phosphatase activity (alpha = 0.3-0.4 units/mg; beta = 2-4 units/mg; alpha/beta = 7-10 units/mg). Specific activities were determined by monitoring o-carboxyphenyl phosphate (0.7 mM) cleavage at pH 5.5 (VSP alpha) or pH 5.0 (VSP alpha/beta and VSP beta) in 0.15 M sodium acetate buffer at 25 degrees C. These enzymes are active over a broad pH range, maintaining greater than 40% of maximal activity from pH 4.0 to 6.5 and having maximal activity at pH 5.0-5.5. They are inactivated by sodium fluoride, sodium molybdate, and heating at 70 degrees C for 10 min. These phosphatases can liberate Pi from several different substrates, including napthyl acid phosphate, carboxyphenyl phosphate, sugar-phosphates, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, phosphoenolpyruvate, ATP, ADP, PPi, and short chain polyphosphates. VSP alpha/beta cleaved phosphoenolpyruvate, ATP, ADP, PPi, and polyphosphates most efficiently. Apparent Km and Vmax values at 25 degrees C and pH 5.0 were 42 microM and 2.0 mumol/min/mg, 150 microM and 4.2 mumol/min/mg, and 420 microM and 4.1 mumol/min/mg, for tetrapolyphosphate, pyrophosphate, and phosphoenolpyruvate, respectively.     

Characterization of the activity of purified recombinant human 5-lipoxygenase in the absence and presence of leukocyte factors.

Purified recombinant human 5-lipoxygenase was used to investigate the catalytic properties of the protein in the presence and absence of leukocyte stimulatory factors. Recombinant human 5-lipoxygenase was purified to apparent homogeneity (95-99%) from a high expression baculovirus system by chromatography on ATP-agarose with a yield of 0.6 mg of protein per 100 ml of culture (2 x 10(8) cells) and a specific activity of 3-6 mumol of 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HPETE) per mg of protein in the presence of ATP, Ca2+, and phosphatidylcholine as the only factors. In the absence of leukocyte factors, the reaction catalyzed by the purified recombinant enzyme showed a half-time of maximal 5-HPETE formation of 0.5-0.7 min and was sensitive to the selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors BW755C (IC50 = 13 microM) and L-656,224 (IC50 = 0.8 microM). The reaction products of arachidonic acid oxidation were 5-HPETE and 6-trans- and 12-epi-6-trans-leukotriene B4, the nonenzymatic hydrolysis products of leukotriene A4 (LTA4), indicating that the purified protein expressed both the 5-oxygenase and leukotriene A4 synthase activities (ratio 6:1). The microsomal fraction and the 60-90% ammonium sulfate precipitate fraction from sonicated human leukocytes did not increase product formation by the isolated enzyme when assayed in the presence of ATP, Ca2+, and phosphatidylcholine. These factors were found to stabilize 5-lipoxygenase during preincubation of the enzyme at 37 degrees C with the assay mixture but they failed to stimulate enzymatic activity when added at the end of the preincubation period. The results demonstrate that human 5-lipoxygenase can be isolated in a catalytically active form and that protein factors from leukocytes protect against enzyme inactivation but are not essential for enzyme activity.     

Conversion of coupling factor 1 of Rhodospirillum rubrum from a Ca2+-ATPase into a Mg2+-ATPase

Isolation of F1-ATPase from Rhodospirillum rubrum by chloroform extraction of chromatophores, followed by purification on a glycerol gradient, results in a very pure enzyme preparation containing five subunits with high Ca2+-ATPase activity (15 mumol per min per mg protein). Furthermore, conditions are reported under which the purified F1 exhibits Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity of about 35 mumol per min per mg protein. NaHCO3 stimulates the Mg2+-activity from 1.5 mumol per min per mg protein to 5 mumol per min per mg protein giving a maximal activity at a concentration of about 60 mM NaHCO3. Lauryl dimethylamine oxide (LDAO), octyl glucoside and nonanoyl N-methylglucamide enhance the Mg2+-ATPase activity from 1.5 to 14, 22 and 35 mumol per min per mg protein, respectively, in the absence of NaHCO3, and from 5 to 34, 30 and 37 mumol per min per mg protein, respectively, in the presence of 50 mM NaHCO3. The Vmax is increased, but the Km for ATP remains the same, about 0.22 mM, both in the absence of activators and in the presence of NaHCO3, LDAO or NaHCO3 plus LDAO. Ca2+-dependent ATPase activity is slightly stimulated by NaHCO3 but strongly inhibited by octyl glucoside.     

Inactivation of human placental 17 beta,20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by 16-methylene estrone, an affinity alkylator enzymatically generated from 16-methylene estradiol-17 beta

The substrate 16-methylene estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17 beta-diol (16-methylene estradiol-17 beta) and its enzyme-generated alkylating product, 3-hydroxy-16-methylene estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-17-one (16-methylene estrone), were synthesized to study the 17 beta- and 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities which coexist in homogeneous enzyme purified from human placental cytosol. 16-Methylene estradiol, an excellent substrate (Km = 8.0 microM; Vmax = 2.8 mumol/mg/min) when enzymatically oxidized to 16-methylene estrone in the presence of NAD+ (256 microM), inactivates simultaneously the 17 beta- and 20 alpha-activities in a time-dependent and irreversible manner following pseudo-first order kinetics (t1/2 = 1.0 h, 100 microM, pH 9.2). 16-Methylene estradiol does not inactivate the enzyme in the absence of NAD+. 16-Methylene estrone (Km = 2.7 microM; Vmax = 2.9 mumol/mg/min) is an affinity alkylator (biomolecular rate constant k'3 = 63.3 liters/mol-s, pH 9.2; KI = 261 microM; k3 = 8.0 X 10(-4) S-1, pH 7.0) which also simultaneously inhibits both activities in an irreversible time-dependent manner (at 25 microM; t1/2 = 7.2 min, pH 9.2; t1/2 = 2.7 h, pH 7.0). Substrates (estradiol-17 beta, estrone, and progesterone) protect against inhibition of enzyme activity by 16-methylene estrone and 16-methylene estradiol. Affinity radioalkylation studies using 16-methylene [6,7-3H]estrone demonstrate that 1 mol of alkylator binds per mol of inactivated enzyme dimer. Thus, 16-methylene estradiol functions as a unique substrate for the enzymatic generation of a powerful affinity alkylator of 17 beta,20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and should be a useful pharmacological tool.     

Photosensitized cleavage of dynein heavy chains. Cleavage at the "V1 site" by irradiation at 365 nm in the presence of ATP and vanadate

Irradiation of soluble dynein 1 from sea urchin sperm flagella at 365 nm in the presence of MgATP and 0.05-50 microM vanadate (Vi) cleaves the alpha and beta heavy chains (Mr 428,000) at their V1 sites to give peptides of Mr 228,000 and 200,000, without the nonspecific side effects produced by irradiation at 254 nm as described earlier (Lee-Eiford, A., Ow, R. A., and Gibbons, I. R. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 2337-2342). The decrease in intact heavy chain material is biphasic; in 10 microM Vi, approximately 80% occurs with a half-time of 7 min and the remainder with a half-time of about 90 min, and the yield of cleavage peptides is better than 90%. Loss of dynein ATPase activity appears to be a direct result of the cleavage process and is not significantly affected by the presence of up to 0.1 M cysteamine (CA, 60-23-1) or 2-aminoethyl carbamimidothioic acid dihydrobromide (CA, 56-10-0) as free radical trapping agents. The concentration of Vi required for 50% maximal initial cleavage rate is 4.5 microM, while that for 50% ATPase inhibition is 0.8 microM, both in a 0.6 M NaCl medium. In the presence of 20 microM Vi, CTP and UTP support cleavage at about half the rate of ATP, whereas GTP and ITP support cleavage only if the Vi concentration is raised to about 200 microM. Substitution of any of the transition metal cations Cr2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, or Co2+ for the usual Mg2+ suppresses the photocleavage, presumably by quenching the excited chromophore prior to scission of the heavy chain. The photocleaved dynein 1 binds to dynein-depleted flagella similarly to intact dynein 1, but upon reactivation of the flagella with 1 mM ATP their motility is partially inhibited, rather than being augmented as with intact dynein. These results indicate that Vi acts as a photosensitizing catalyst and suggest that the cleavage proceeds through excitation of Vi bound to dynein at the hydrolytic ATP binding site on each heavy chain, probably in a dynein X MgADP X Vi complex. The exquisite specificity of Vi-sensitized photocleavage will aid the peptide mapping of dynein heavy chains and may be of broader use in studies of protein structure.     

Design and synthesis of broad-based mono- and bi- cyclic inhibitors of FIV and HIV proteases

Based on the substrate transition state and our strategy to tackle the problem of drug resistance, a series of HIV/FIV protease (HIV /FIV PR) monocyclic inhibitors incorporating a 15- or 17-membered macrocycle with an equivalent P3 or P3' group and a unique unnatural amino acid, (2R, 3S)-3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid, have been designed and synthesized. In addition, based on the structure of TL3 with small P3/P3' group, we have synthesized two conformationally restricted bicyclic inhibitors containing the macrocycle, which mimic the P1/P1'-P3/P3' tripeptide [Phe-Val-Ala] of TL3. We have found that the contribution of the macrocycle in our monocyclic inhibitors is important to the overall activity, but the ring size does not affect the activity to a significant extent. Several inhibitors that were developed in this work, exhibit low nanomolar inhibitory activity against the wild-type HIV/FIV PR and found to be highly effective against some drug-resistant as well as TL3-resistant mutants of HIV PRs. Compound 15, in particular, is the most effective cyclic inhibitor in hand to inhibit FIV replication in tissue culture at a concentration of 1.0 micro g/mL (1.2 microM).