Betulin derivatives inhibit Alphavirus replication

L. Pohjala (Corresponding Author), Sami Alakurtti, Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma, T. Ahola, P. Tammela

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle in a proceedings journalScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    Betulin is a widespread naturally occurring triterpenene, found in large quantities in birch bark. Despite the knowledge on betulin-derived compounds as anti-HIV agents, their wider antiviral spectrum remains poorly studied. In this study, a set of 68 betulin derivatives was screened against Semliki Forest virus (SFV), a member of Alphavirus genus and a commonly used model for replication of positive-stranded RNA viruses. The basic structure of betulin was moderately active against SFV (IC50 45 μM), but antiviral potency was enhanced particularly by certain cyclic ether or ester substituents, as demonstrated by 28-O-tetrahydropyranylbetulin and 3,28-betulinyl di(2-sulfobenzoate) (IC50 values 17 and 11 μM, respectively). Even though some derivatives raised also toxic responses in Huh-7 cells, therapeutic indices higher than 50 were obtained for many of the tested compounds. Due to their non-nucleoside structure and relatively low toxicity, betulin-derived compounds make a competitive contribution to the few inhibitors of these pathogens.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)S40
    JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
    Volume34
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    Event19th Helsinki Drug Research 2008 - Helsinki, Finland
    Duration: 9 Jun 200811 Jun 2008

    Keywords

    • betulin
    • betulin derivatives
    • betulinic acid
    • cytotoxic
    • birch bark
    • antiviral spectrum
    • alphavirus

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Betulin derivatives inhibit Alphavirus replication'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this