A novel mechanism for inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is an important medical problem. Although combination drug regimens have produced dramatic decreases in viral load, current therapies do not provide a cure for HIV infection. We have used structure-based design and combinatorial medicinal chemistry to identify potent and selective HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors that may work by a mechanism distinct from that of current HIV drugs.

Synthesis of the C1-C21 Fragment of the Serine/Threonine Phosphatase Inhibitor Tautomycin.

Compound 40 containing the C-1-C-21 region of tautomycin has been synthesized. The two halves (4 and 5) of this spirocyclic section were each constructed using Matteson's chloromethylene insertion reaction. Cr/Ni-mediated coupling of compounds 4 and 5 resulted in a structure containing the C-1-C-21 section of tautomycin.