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Inhibition of the RNase H activity of HIV reverse transcriptase by azidothymidylate.

The effects of AZTMP and other nucleoside 5'-monophosphates on the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and RNase H activities of a recombinant HIV reverse transcriptase have been investigated. Both activities are sensitive to inhibition by millimolar concentrations of AZTMP with MgCl2 as divalent cation activator. Substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ markedly potentiates the inhibition of RNase H activity by AZTMP, reducing the IC50 from 5 to 0.05 mM. In contrast, Mn2+ does not alter the sensitivity of the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity to inhibition by AZTMP. The inhibition of RNase H activity by AZTMP can be reversed by increasing concentrations of the substrate poly(A)/poly(dT), suggesting that AZTMP may compete with the substrate for binding at the active site of RNase H. Other nucleoside 5'-monophosphates do not inhibit RNase H in the presence of Mg2+. However, in the presence of Mn2+, deoxy- and dideoxynucleoside 5'-monophosphates that are complementary to the DNA strand of the heteroduplex substrate are somewhat inhibitory. The RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity is a slightly inhibited by AZTMP and ddTMP in either Mg2+ or Mn2+, and substitution of Mn2+ for Mg2+ results in inhibition by ddAMP as well. Naturally occurring ribo- or deoxyribonucleoside 5'-monophosphates are not inhibitory at concentrations up to 5 mM. Since AZTTP inhibits the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity of HIV reverse transcriptase at nanomolar concentrations, it is unlikely that the inhibition of this activity by AZTMP plays a significant role in the antiviral effect of AZT. However, the inhibition of the RNase H activity by AZTMP, which can reach millimolar concentrations in vivo, may account for part of the sensitivity of the virus to AZT.

Antiviral Agents↗

Biaryl acids: novel non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase types 1 and 2.

A series of biaryl acids has been found to show micromolar inhibition of the HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) from types 1 and 2 with IC50S in the micromolar range. The series was discovered by consideration of the polymerase active site and sub-structure searching of the company compound collection. Synthesis of analogues to investigate the SAR is described. Two of these compounds have shown inhibition of HIV-2 RT only.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Mechanism of inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase by toxiusol, a novel general inhibitor of retroviral and cellular DNA polymerases.

Toxiusol, a natural product isolated from the Red Sea sponge Toxiclona toxius, has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of various viral reverse transcriptases (RT) [i.e., of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), equine infectious anemia virus, and murine leukemia virus] and cellular DNA polymerases (i.e., of DNA polymerases alpha and beta and Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I). A thorough investigation of the mode of inhibition was conducted with HIV-1 RT-associated DNA polymerase activity. The inhibition is unaffected by the nature of template-primer used. The inhibitory active site of toxiusol is attributable to the polar moieties at the benzene ring. The presence of either sulfate groups in the natural lead compound or hydroxyl groups in the corresponding hydroquinone is critical, because both compounds are equally effective at low micromolar concentrations. Conversely, the presence of acetyl groups in the same position in the derivative toxiusol diacetate lowers significantly or abolishes the inhibitory activity. Toxiusol binds the HIV-1 RT irreversibly and in a noncompetitive way with high affinity (Ki = 1.2 microM), probably through polar groups. The replacement with acetyl moieties in the analog toxiusol diacetate hampers the binding of the inhibitor to the enzyme (Ki increases to about 26 microM). Still, the compound binds irreversibly, probably through its hydrophobic structure skeleton. Toxiusol diacetate loses its ability to inhibit the first step in the DNA polymerization process (that is, the formation of the DNA-enzyme complex as measured by a gel retardation assay), which contributes to its poor inhibitory capacity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Conformation and sandwiching of bases by azido groups in the crystal structure of 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-thymidine (AZT), an antiviral agent that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase.

The crystal structure of 3'-azido-3'-deoxy-thymidine (AZT), an antiviral agent that inhibits HIV reverse transcriptase, has been determined from three-dimensional x-ray diffractometer data. The crystal structure contains two independent molecules of AZT forming a hydrogen bonded dimer but exhibiting different conformations. These conformations are different from those theoretically calculated by molecular mechanics methods. The azido groups associate with each other and interrupt the base stacking, forming a sandwich of two stacked bases. The close conformational similarity of AZT to thymidine explains why AZT is a good substrate for thymidine kinase. The selective inhibition of reverse transcriptase by AZT is not due to any conformational restrictions imposed by the azido group but likely due to their stereoelectronic properties.

Azides↗

Denaturation/refolding of purified recombinant HIV reverse transcriptase yields monomeric enzyme with high enzymatic activity.

We engineered a prokaryotic expression vector encoding the HIV reverse transcriptase (RT). We grew Escherichia coli JM109 carrying the vector in a 250-liter stirred tank fermentor and purified RT (p66) under native conditions to apparent homogeneity. Purified p66 (greater than or equal to 5 mg/ml) was not stable, and was rapidly processed to its 51 kD derivative (p51), until p66:p51 levels were approximately 1:1. These latter RT preparations were chromatographed as heterodimers and had approximately fivefold higher specific RT enzymatic activities compared with those containing predominantly p66. P66 purified under dilute concentrations (less than or equal to 0.5 mg/ml) was monomeric in solution, resistant to p51 processing for weeks at 4 degrees C, but also had low specific RT enzymatic activities. To attempt the preparation of homogeneous p66 with specific RT enzymatic activities equivalent to p66:p51 heterodimers, purified heterodimers were denatured and p66 was purified and refolded during extensive dialysis (refolded p66). Refolded p66 (less than or equal to 0.5 mg/ml) was monomeric in solution and had identical specific RT enzymatic activities, Km for dTTP, and inhibition by 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine triphosphate compared with heterodimeric p66:p51 RT. The data indicates that HIV RT obtained from recombinant E. coli under native conditions is extensively processed at concentrations promoting dimerization. Moreover, RT denaturation and refolding yields apparently homogeneous monomeric p66, with specific RT enzymatic activities equivalent to heterodimeric RT.

Base Sequence↗

Enzymatic kinetic studies with the non-nucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor U-9843.

The polymer of ethylenesulfonic acid (U-9843) is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 RT (reverse transcriptase) and the drug possesses excellent antiviral activity at nontoxic doses in HIV-infected lymphocytes grown in tissue culture. The drug also inhibits RTs isolated from other species such as AMV and MLV retroviruses. Enzymatic kinetic studies of the HIV-1 RT catalyzed RNA-directed DNA polymerase function, using synthetic template:primers, indicate that the drug acts generally noncompetitively with respect to the template:primer binding site but the specific inhibition patterns change somewhat depending on the drug concentration. The inhibitor acts noncompetitively with respect to the dNTP binding sites. Hence, the drug inhibits this RT polymerase function by interacting with a site distinct from the template:primer and dNTP binding sites. In addition, the inhibitor also impairs the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity of HIV-1 RT and the RNase H function. This indicates that the drug interacts with a target site essential for all three HIV RT functions addressed (RNA- and DNA-directed DNA polymerases, RNase H).

Antiviral Agents↗

Swertifrancheside, an HIV-reverse transcriptase inhibitor and the first flavone-xanthone dimer, from Swertia franchetiana.

The first flavone-xanthone C-glucoside, swertifrancheside, was isolated from Swertia franchetiana, and its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-7-(5',7',3'',4''- tetrahydroxy-6'-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4'-oxy-8'-flavyl)-xanthone . This compound was a moderately potent inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase.

Antimalarials↗

Non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase: screening successes--clinical failures.

A little less than two years ago, the first report describing non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) led to the high anticipation that a range of new drugs could soon be available for the treatment of AIDS. The intervening period has given rise to several such agents but recent clinical trial data has indicated this optimism to be premature. This short review seeks to trace the brief history of the drug discovery process and to assess whether there are lessons to be learnt from the episode.

Antiviral Agents↗

Factors contributing to the inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase by chain-terminating nucleotides in vitro and in vivo.

Arguments are presented leading to the conclusion that two major factors contribute to the potency of inhibition of DNA-polymerase activity by chain-terminating nucleotides. The relative significance of these factors varies with the reaction conditions, particularly with the length of the template and the concentration ratio of enzyme (reverse transcriptase or other DNA polymerase) to primer. It is concluded that potent inhibition of HIV-reverse transcriptase activity under typical in vitro and in vivo conditions arises from different features of the interaction of chain terminators with the enzyme. A new method of testing for the parameter important under in vivo conditions is suggested.

HIV↗

Inhibition of HIV-reverse transcriptase activity by some phloroglucinol derivatives.

Four phloroglucinol derivatives, named mallotophenone (5-methylene-bis-2,6-dihydroxy-3-methyl-4-methoxyacetophenone), mallotochromene (8-acetyl-5,7-dihydroxy-6-(3-acetyl-2,4- dihydroxy-5-methyl-6-methoxybenzyl)-2,2-dimethylchromene), mallotojaponin (3-(3,3(dimethylallyl)5-(3(acetyl-2,4- dihydroxy-5-methyl-6-methoxybenzyl)-phloracetophenone) and mallotolerin (3-(3-methyl-2-hydroxybut-3-enyl)-5(3-acetyl-2,4- dihydroxy-5-methyl-6-methoxybenzyl)-phloracetophenone), have been tested for their ability to inhibit the activity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-reverse transcriptase. Under the reaction conditions with (rA)n.(dT)12-18 as the template.primer, the enzyme activity was inhibited by approximately 70% in the presence of 10 micrograms/ml mallotochromene or mallotojaponin, whereas mallotophenone and mallotolerin were much less inhibitory to the enzyme. The enzyme activity was also inhibited, though to lesser extent, by these compounds under similar conditions with initiated MS-2 phage RNA as the template.primer. The mode of inhibition was, as analyzed with mallotojaponin, competivite with respect to the template.primer, (rA)n.(dT)12-18, and non-competitive with respect to the triphosphate substrate, dTTP. The Ki value of mallotojaponin for HIV-reverse transcriptase was determined to be 6.1 microM.

Base Sequence↗

Use of an oligoribonucleotide containing the polypurine tract sequence as a primer by HIV reverse transcriptase.

A primary site for initiation of plus strand DNA synthesis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) corresponds to a 19-nucleotide-long purine rich sequence located just upstream of the U3 region, designated the polypurine tract (PPT). The HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) uses its RNase H activity to cut the genomic RNA after minus strand DNA synthesis. A plus strand PPT primer is formed, extended, and then removed. In vitro, the HIV-RT recognizes this primer specifically, using it much more efficiently than other RNA primers. However, the PPT still primes significantly less efficiently than DNA primers. The 19-nucleotide PPT primer is partially resistant to degradation when compared with other oligoribonucleotides. Prior to initiation of DNA synthesis, several nucleotides are removed by the RT from the 3' ends of some of the PPT primers. Cleavage is enhanced in the absence of dNTPs. We suggest that DNA synthesis suppresses primer degradation, so that primer extension and cleavage occur in proper sequence. As a result of 3' end degradation, PPT elongation products contain 5'-RNA segments from 16 to 19 nucleotides in length. These shorter segments are also generated from a longer transcript containing the PPT sequence, indicating that they are not created as a result of binding of the RT to the 5' end of the PPT oligoribonucleotide. Full-length and shorter versions of the PPT primers are cleaved from the extended DNA by RT. These experiments show that HIV-RT has a specificity to generate a primer in the region of the PPT but that the ends of the primer are not well defined.

Base Sequence↗

Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV) natural products with special emphasis on HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

This review article aims at summarizing research findings concerning natural products which are endowed with the ability to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An emphasis is placed on HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors because the bulk of the literature is focused on these compounds. It was found that a spectacular diversity of chemical structures encompassing proteins, terpenoids, coumarins, xanthones, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides, which are elaborated by plant species as phylogenetically remote as the algae, gymnosperms and angiosperms, were capable of rendering the retroviral enzyme less active. The literature pertaining to natural products with HIV protease and integrase inhibitory activities is less voluminous.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

The structural basis for the increased immunogenicity of two HIV-reverse transcriptase peptide variant/class I major histocompatibility complexes.

Designing altered peptide ligands to generate specific immunological reactivity when bound to class I major histocompatibility complexes is important for both therapeutic and prophylactic reasons. We have previously shown that two altered peptides, derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-reverse transcriptase (RT) residues 309-317, are more immunogenic in vitro than the wild-type peptide. One peptide variant, I1Y, was able to stimulate RT-specific cytotoxic T cells from the blood of three HIV-infected individuals better than the wild-type RT peptide. Both I1Y and I1F peptide variants increase the cell surface half-life of the peptide-class I complex approximately 3-fold over that of the RT peptide but have different immunological activities. These peptides are candidates for the design of vaccines for HIV due to their increased immunogenicity. To understand the basis for the increased cell surface stability compared with wild-type peptide and to understand the differences in T cell recognition between I1Y and I1F, we determined the x-ray crystal structures of the two class I MHC-peptide complexes. These structures indicate that the increased cell surface half-life is due to pi-pi stacking interactions between Trp-167 of HLA-A2.1 and the aromatic P1 residues of I1F and I1Y. Comparison of the structures and modeling potential T cell receptor (TCR) interactions suggests that T cell interactions and immunogenicity are different between I1Y and I1F for two reasons. First, subtle changes in the steric and polar properties of the I1Y peptide affect TCR engagement. Second, water-mediated hydrogen bond interactions between the P1-Tyr and the P4-Glu peptide residues increase peptide side chain rigidity of residues critical for TCR engagement.

Circular Dichroism↗

Mechanism of HIV reverse transcriptase: enzyme-primer interaction as revealed through studies of a dNTP analogue, 3'-azido-dTTP.

Primer and dNTP recognition by purified HIV reverse transcriptase have been investigated. Earlier kinetic studies suggested that the reaction pathway for DNA synthesis is ordered, with template-primer and free enzyme combining to form the first complex in the reaction sequence [Majumdar et al. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 15657-15665], and through use of a particularly high affinity template-primer analogue [r(I)n.Sd(C)28], rate values for formation of the first complex were calculated [Majumdar et al. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 1340-1346]. We now report rate values for first complex formation in the usual model replication system with poly[r(A)].oligo [d(T)] as template-primer. We find that 3'-azido-dTTP (AZTTP) is a linear competitive inhibitor of DNA synthesis against the substrate dNTP (dTTP) in the poly[r(A)].oligo[d(T)] replication system. This suggests that 3'-azido-dTTP and dTTP combine with the same form of the enzyme in the reaction scheme, i.e., the enzyme-primer complex. This is not trivial, since a second analogue, 3'-amino-dTTP, also is an inhibitor against dTTP, but the mechanism in this case is linear noncompetitive. Because the inhibition by 3'-azido-dTTP is linear competitive, the KD for physical binding to the enzyme is assumed to be the same as the Ki for inhibition (20 nM). Substrate kinetic studies of DNA synthesis using 3'-azido-dTTP as substrate revealed that the Michaelis constant is 3 microM. Therefore, the Km for this substrate analogue is 100-fold higher than the KD for binding of the analogue to the enzyme-primer complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antiviral Agents↗

Steady-state kinetic studies with the polysulfonate U-9843, an HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

The tetramer of ethylenesulfonic acid (U-9843) is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 RT* and possesses excellent antiviral activity at nontoxic doses in HIV-1 infected lymphocytes grown in tissue culture. Kinetic studies of the HIV-1 RT-catalyzed RNA-directed DNA polymerase activity were carried out in order to determine if the inhibitor interacts with the template primer or the deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) binding sites of the polymerase. Michaelis-Menten kinetics, which are based on the establishment of a rapid equilibrium between the enzyme and its substrates, proved inadequate for the analysis of the experimental data. The data were thus analyzed using steady-state Briggs-Haldane kinetics assuming that the template: primer binds to the enzyme first, followed by the binding of the dNTP and that the polymerase is a processive enzyme. Based on these assumptions, a velocity equation was derived which allows the calculation of all the specific forward and backward rate constants for the reactions occurring between the enzyme, its substrates and the inhibitor. The calculated rate constants are in agreement with this model and the results indicated that U-9843 acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to both the template:primer and dNTP binding sites. Hence, U-9843 exhibits the same binding affinity for the free enzyme as for the enzyme-substrate complexes and must inhibit the RT polymerase by interacting with a site distinct from the substrate binding sites. Thus, U-9843 appears to impair an event occurring after the formation of the enzyme-substrate complexes, which involves either an event leading up to the formation of the phosphoester bond, the formation of the ester bond itself or translocation of the enzyme relative to its template:primer following the formation of the ester bond.

Binding Sites↗

The connection domain is implicated in metalloporphyrin binding and inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase.

We have shown that heme and zinc protoporphyrin inhibit both human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) reverse transcriptases (RTs) and, in combination with other nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors, exert an additive effect on HIV-1 RT inhibition. Screening of a phage peptide library against heme resulted in the isolation of a peptide with sequence similarity to sequence 398-407 from the connection subdomain of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 RTs, suggesting that this highly conserved region of HIV RTs corresponds to the binding site for metalloporphyrins and a new site for inhibition of enzyme activity. Inclusion of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the exact sequence 398-407 of HIV-1 RT in RT inhibition assays had a protective effect on metalloporphyrin inhibition, as it was able to reverse the inhibitory effect of both metalloporphyrins on HIV-1 RT activity. Furthermore, intrinsic fluorescence assays indicated that these metalloporphyrins bind to synthetic peptide 398-407 as well as to intact dimeric HIV-1 RT. The identification of this novel inhibition site will help to expand our understanding of the mode of action of metalloporphyrins in RT inhibition and will assist in the design and development of more potent metalloporphyrin RT inhibitors for the management of HIV infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗