INHIBITION OF UNCOATING OF POLIOVIRUS BY ARILDONE, A NEW ANTI-VIRAL DRUG

The anti-viral effects of arildone (4-[6-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenoxy)hexyl]-3,5-heptanedione on poliovirus type 2 replication and host cell functions are described. Arildone inhibits poliovirus replication at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.2 .mu.M while transport of radioactively labeled precursors and synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein in uninfected HeLa [human cervical carcinoma] cells are not inhibited. This drug is not virucidal and does not interfere with adsorption or penetration. Arildone inhibits uncoating or poliovirus and prevents virus-induced shutoff of host cell protein synthesis. The possible mechanisms by which arildone interacts with the poliovirus icosahedral capsid to prevent uncoating are discussed.