Synthesis and inhibitory activity of sialic acid derivatives targeted at viral sialate-O-acetylesterases

A series of sialosides modified at the 4- and 9-hydroxy group were synthesised and tested for inhibition of the viral haemagglutinin-esterase activity from various Orthomyxoviruses and Coronaviruses. While no inhibition of the sialate-4-O-acetylesterases from mouse hepatitis virus strain S or sialodacryoadenitis virus was found, a 9-O-methyl derivative displayed inhibitory activity against recombinant sialate-9-O-acetylesterase from influenza C virus.

A series of modified sialosides has been synthesisised and a 9-O-methyl derivative was found to inhibit the hemagglutinin-esterase from Influenza C virus but not from other selected Orthomyxoviruses and Coronaviruses.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The synthesis of a series of 4- and 9-O-methyl- and methylphosphono-α-sialosides has been achieved.
► A 9-O-Methyl sialic acid derivative inhibited the sialate-O-acetylesterase from Influenza C virus.
► Methylphosphonates did not inhibit the viral haemagglutinin-esterase activities investigated.