Selective Inhibition of Myxovirus Replication by a Novel Series of Cholesterol-Naphthalenesulfonic Acid Hybrid Molecules

A novel series of hybrid molecules with cholesterol and naphthalenesulfonic acid have been synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against myxoviruses (respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], influenza A and B virus), Naphthalenesulfonic acids (compounds 1–3) and cholesterols (compounds 4 and 5) did not inhibit myxovirus-induced cytopathic-ity. However, hybrid molecules (compounds 6 and 7) proved active against RSV and influenza A virus but not influenza B virus. The antiviral effects of the hybrid compounds 6 and 7 were comparable to those of dextran sulfate. Mixtures of naphthalenesulfonic acid and cholesteryl chloroformate (compounds 1 and 5 molecules, corresponding to the hybrid molecule 6; and compounds 2 and 5, corresponding to the hybrid molecule 7) did not show antiviral activity. The mode of action of the cholesterol-linked naphthalenesulfonic acids can be attributed to inhibition of virus-cell fusion (influenza A virus) or inhibition of both virus-cell binding and fusion (RSV).