Inhibition of the replication of influenza A and B viruses by a nucleoside analogue (ribavirin).
A synthetic nucleoside analogue 1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboamide (ribavirin or RTCA) inhibits the replication of tissue culture of influenza B virus and also a wide range of influenza A viruses of human, animal and avian origin. The synthesis of influenza virus-induced antigens and also structural and non-structural polypeptides is inhibited by RTCA as detected by immunofluorescence and by pulse labelling experiments with [35S]-methionine. The inhibitory effects of RTCA on influenza A virus replication in tissue culture is reversed by a molar excess of guanosine or zanthosine which suggests that the compound acts at an early stage of virus RNA synthesis prior to the utilisation of the latter nucleosides. A possible inhibitory effect of RTCA on cellular DNA replication is not excluded.
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006151:Guanosine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009705:Nucleosides / Q000494:pharmacology; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D010452:Peptide Biosynthesis; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012263:Ribonucleosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*; D014970:Xanthines
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D009705:Nucleosides; D012367:RNA, Viral; D012263:Ribonucleosides; D014764:Viral Proteins; D014970:Xanthines; D006151:Guanosine; D012254:Ribavirin