Characterization of an anti ‐varicella‐zoster virus compound that targets the portal protein encoded by ORF54

ABSTRACT An anti‐varicella‐zoster virus compound, a 5‐chlorobenzo[b]thiophen derivative (45B5), was characterized. Its 50% effective concentration against the cell‐free vaccine Oka strain and 50% cytotoxic concentration in human fibroblasts were 16.9 μM and more than 100 μM, respectively. Treatment with 45B5 decreased viral DNA synthesis as well as IE62 expression weakly but significantly. All 45B5‐resistant viral clones isolated had at least one mutation in ORF54 that encodes the portal protein. There were no effects on the interaction of the portal protein with the scaffold protein. We hypothesize that 45B5 inhibits the nuclear delivery of viral DNA.
Source: Microbiology and Immunology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Note Source Type: research