ISSN:
1423-0127
Keywords:
Camptothecin
;
DNA virus
;
Antiviral agent
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract In addition to being causative agents of infectious diseases in animals and humans, DNA viruses have served as models for the study of eukaryotic molecular mechanisms including replication and transcription. Studies of DNA virus functions utilizing cell-free systems and virus-infected cells in culture, in the presence of the anticancer drug camptothecin (CPT), have demonstrated that CPT is a potent inhibitor of replication, transcription and packaging of double-stranded DNA-containing adenoviruses, papovaviruses and herpesviruses, and the single-stranded DNA-containing autonomous parvoviruses. CPT inhibits viral functions by inhibiting topoisomerase I, a host cell enzyme required for initiation and completion of the viral functions. These findings indicate that CPT analogues could be developed for use as potent drugs against DNA viruses.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02256417
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