Molecular Aspects of the Antiviral Activity of Ribavirin on Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Abstract
Ribavirin (1-Beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboximide) is a nucleoside analog having broad-spectrum antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses. A variety of specific effects on host cell metabolism have been attributed to ribavirin or its metabolites. Ribavirin monophosphate appears to be a competitive inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase activity and GMP synthesis, whereas ribavirin triphosphate is a selective inhibitor of influenza virus RNA polymerase. Additional effects of ribavirin include inhibition of thymidine phosphorylation and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Contrasting reports have been published which contradict many of these alleged cellular effects. The pharmacological mechanism of action of ribavirin remains obscure. In an attempt to clarify the mode and specificity of action of ribavirin, we examined its effects on cellular metabolism and on the replication of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus grown in BHK-21 cells as a model system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA091474
Entities
People
- E. L. Stephen
- J. S. Little
- P. B. Jahrling
- P. G. Canonico
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases