title: Inhibition of influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase by ribavirin triphosphate.
abstract: Ribavirin 5'-triphosphate (RTP), derived from the broad-spectrum antiviral compound ribavirin (Virazole), can selectively inhibit influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay. Ribavirin and its 5'-monophosphate have no effect on the polymerase. The inhibition is competitive with respect to adenosine 5'-triphosphate and guanosine 5'-triphosphate. RTP also inhibits ApG- and GpC-stimulated influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase. Since ribavirin is phosphorylated in the cell, the inhibition of influenza multiplication in the cell may also be caused by RTP.
mesh_terms: D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000201:enzymology*; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012263:Ribonucleosides / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D012263:Ribonucleosides; D012254:Ribavirin; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases