Inhibition of dengue virus RNA synthesis by an adenosine nucleoside

We recently reported that (2R,3R,4R,5R)-2-(4-amino-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin- 7-yl)-3-ethynyl-5-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydro-furan-3,4-diol is a potent inhibitor of dengue virus (DENV), with 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) and cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) values of 0.7 μM and >100 μM, respectively. Here we describe the synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and antiviral characterization of the inhibitor. In an AG129 mouse model, a single-dose treatment of DENV-infected mice with the compound suppressed peak viremia and completely prevented death. Mode-of-action analysis using a DENV replicon indicated that the compound blocks viral RNA synthesis. Recombinant adenosine kinase could convert the compound to a monophosphate form. Suppression of host adenosine kinase, using a specific inhibitor (iodotubercidin) or small interfering RNA (siRNA), abolished or reduced the compound's antiviral activity in cell culture. Studies of rats showed that ¹⁴C-labeled compound was converted to mono-, di-, and triphosphate metabolites in vivo. Collectively, the results suggest that this adenosine inhibitor is phosphorylated to an active (triphosphate) form which functions as a chain terminator for viral RNA synthesis.