Design, synthesis, and anti-HIV activity of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (d4U), 2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (ddU) phosphoramidate ‘ProTide’ derivatives

We report the synthesis of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (d4U) and 2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (ddU) phosphoramidate ‘ProTide’ derivatives and their evaluation against HIV-1 and HIV-2. In addition, we conducted molecular modeling studies on both d4U and ddU monophosphates to investigate their second phosphorylation process. The findings from the modeling studies provide compelling evidence for the lack of anti-HIV activity of d4U phosphoramidates, in contrast with the corresponding ddU phosphoramidates.

Graphical abstractPhosphate pro-drug technologies (ProTides) lead to the activation of inactive nucleosides such as ddU, but not d4U, versus HIV. Reasons for the difference are explored, including the second phosphorylation step.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide