Synthesis of C3-arylated-3-deazauridine derivatives with potent anti-HSV-1 activities.

A series of 3-deazauridines (3-DU) analogues were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antiherpetic activity against HSV-1 on Vero cell lines by cell viability. A first campaign of tests suggested that C3-arylated-3-DU derivatives could constitute a novel family of antiherpetic agents. A second campaign of biological evaluations led to the discovery of two potent anti-HSV-1 agents with comparable activity than acyclovir.