Selective inhibition of virus multiplication by new acylated 1,2,4-triazole derivatives

Six out of 99 new acylated 1,2,4-triazole derivatives specifically inhibited rubella virus replication in RK 13 cell cultures. These are the following: 3-methylthio-5-(2-chlorobenzamido)-1H-1,2,4-triazole; 3-methylthio-5-(2-bromobenzamido)-1H-1,2,4-triazole; 3-methylthio-5-(2-methylbenzamido)-1H-1,2,4-triazole; 3-methylthio-5-(2-nitrobenzamido)-1H-1,2,4-triazole; 3-methylthio-5-(2-methylthiobenzamido)-1H-1,2,4-triazole and 3-ethylthio-5-(2-methylbenzamido)-1H-1,2,4-triazole. The compounds did not directly interfere with the infectivity of the rubella virus particles and the antiviral effect was demonstrable only within cells infected with rubella virus. The active compounds did not inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza virus and adenovirus in cell culture systems. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.