Synthesis and evaluation of β-carboline derivatives as inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus

A series of β-carboline derivatives were prepared and evaluated for anti-HIV activity in human CD4+ T cell line CEM-GFP, infected with HIV-1 NL4.3. 1-Formyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (15) showed IC50 of 2.9 μM.