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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2017
Inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication by antisense oligo-2'-O-methylribonucleoside methylphosphonates
J M Kean1, S A Kipp, P S Miller
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Hygiene and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
Modified antisense oligonucleotides show promise for inhibiting herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication. Oligo-2'-O-methylribonucleoside methylphosphonates demonstrated higher binding affinity and potent antiviral activity compared to deoxyribonucleoside analogs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Antimicrobial Drug Development
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate early mRNAs are targets for antiviral therapies.
- Antisense oligonucleotides offer a strategy for inhibiting viral replication by targeting specific mRNA sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate antisense oligonucleoside methylphosphonates targeting HSV-1 immediate early mRNAs.
- To compare the binding affinity and antiviral activity of different oligonucleotide modifications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of methylphosphonate oligomers with deoxyribose (d-OMPs) or 2 O-methylribose (mr-OMPs) nucleosides.
- Gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay to determine binding affinity to RNA targets.
- Assessment of inhibition of HSV-1 replication in Vero cells.
Main Results:
- mr-OMPs exhibited approximately four times higher binding affinity to RNA targets than d-OMPs.
- mr-OMPs showed a five-fold lower IC50, indicating improved inhibition of HSV-1 replication.
- A mismatched mr-OMP showed no binding or inhibition, confirming sequence specificity.
Conclusions:
- Oligo-2 O-methylribonucleoside methylphosphonates possess enhanced binding affinity and antisense activity.
- These modified oligonucleotides are promising candidates for developing effective antisense antiviral reagents against HSV-1.
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