Inhibition of virus reproduction and proteinase activity by lupane and some other terpenes

Abstract

The antiviral properties of 52 lupane and some other terpenes were investigated in cell cultures infected with herpes simplex type I (HSV-1), influenza A/FPV/Rostock, and ECHO 6 viruses. It was found that the known (betulin, betulinic, and betulonic acids) and new triterpenes have antiviral activity against HSV-1. A number of new compounds had higher antiviral properties in HSV-1 experiments as compared with the known triterpenes. A combination of the substituents in positions 3 and 28 of lupane triterpene was important for the antiviral activity in this case. The 3-oxo derivatives with Lamino acids in position 28 were most active. Antiviral properties of new lupane triterpenes against influenza virus were established for the first time. Their activity mostly correlated with oxime or amide group in position 3 or 28. Among other compounds active against influenza virus, allobetulin is most remarkable. Betulinic acid has antiviral activity against ECHO 6 virus, and it is characterized by a relatively insignificant virus titer decrease in a wide concentration range. Inhibition of some serine, cysteine, and aspartic proteinases was observed in the presence of triterpenes studied.