[Evaluation of the size of the continuous poly(G) site necessary for the biological activity of the poly(G).poly(C)...

On the basis of synthesis of a series of poly(G, A).poly(C) copolymers with changing G:A ratio from 15:1 to 90:1 and trials of their biological activity in comparison with poly(G).poly(C), the size of poly(G) in it was evaluated within the range of a continuous double-stranded area necessary for the activity. The antiviral activity close to that of poly(G).poly(C) in experimental tick-borne encephalitis of mice and vesicular stomatitis virus infection of chick embryo cells was found only in poly(G,A).poly(C) complexes with a G:A ratio equal to or higher than 90:1. Consequently, the high activity of poly(G).poly(C) is present at an average length of poly(G) equal to 90-100 nucleotides within the limits of the continuous double-stranded area.