Unusual olefin formation by PhSe-F trans-elimination.

A new approach to the synthesis of 2',3'-didehydro-2',3-dideoxynucleosides was described in excellent yield through unusual olefin formation by PhSe-F trans-elimination.

Inhibition of the subgenomic hepatitis C virus replicon in huh-7 cells by 2'-deoxy-2'-fluorocytidine.

2'-Deoxy-2'-fluorocytidine (FdC) is a potent inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus RNA replicon in culture, and FdC-5'-triphosphate is an effective inhibitor of the NS5B polymerase. Dynamic profiling of cell growth in an antiviral assay showed that FdC caused cytostasis due to an S-phase arrest. These observations demonstrate that FdC treatment is affecting both a viral target and a cellular target.

Insights into the molecular mechanism of inhibition and drug resistance for HIV-1 RT with carbovir triphosphate.

Abacavir (1592U89, or Ziagen) is a powerful and selective inhibitor of HIV-1 viral replication that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Abacavir is metabolized to the active compound carbovir triphosphate (CBVTP). This compound is a guanosine analogue containing a 2',3'-unsaturation in its planar carbocyclic deoxyribose ring that acts on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT(WT)) as a molecular target, resulting in chain termination of DNA synthesis.