In vitro antiviral activity and interaction with nucleic acids of a benzodifuran derivative

The biochemical and biological properties of the bis-2-(diethylamino)-ethyl ester of 2,6-dimethylbenzo [1,2-b; 4,5b']difuran-3,7-dicarboxylic acid (BD) were studied and the mode of its interaction with native DNA and single-stranded RNA was evaluated from a quantitative point of view. In addition, its antiviral activity on both DNA and RNA viruses, compared with that of tilorone and adriamycin, was studied. The authors also tested the ability of the compound to inhibit DNA synthesis in host cells. Comparing the data obtained from virus replication and on the inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis, it was concluded that the most favourable ratio between antiviral activity and inhibition of DNA synthesis of the host cells was present in the examined compound. The physicochemical studies strongly support the hypothesis that antiviral activity is substantially due to the ability of BD to form a complex with DNA.