Synthesis and antiviral activities of novel gossypol derivatives

In this study, a series of novel gossypol derivatives were synthesized and screened in vitro for their anti-HIV-1 and anti-H(5)N(1) activities, respectively. Replacing the aldehyde groups of gossypol with some amino acids not only reduced the cytotoxicity but also enhanced the activities against HIV-1 and H(5)N(1). Compounds 13-17 showed more potent activities against HIV-1 and H(5)N(1) than the other gossypol derivatives. Meanwhile, these compounds also exhibited more potent activities against H(5)N(1) than 1-adamantylamine. The absence of the COONa group in gossypol derivatives resulted in a loss of anti-HIV-1 activity, suggesting that this group might play an important role in mediating the antiviral activity. Time-of-addition assays indicated that compounds 13-17 had the similar mechanism of anti-HIV-1 action with T20. Molecular modeling analysis demonstrated that compounds 13-17 could fit inside the gp41 hydrophobic pocket through hydrogen bonding network, hydrophobic contacts and strong electrostatic interactions.