Inactivation of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase with novel 5'-thioadenosine derivatives. Antiviral effects.

Synthesis of 5'-S-vinyl-5'-thioadenosine 5, 5'-S-ethynyl-5'-thioadenosine 7 and 5'-S-cyano-5'-thioadenosine 9 is described. Incubation of AdoHcy hydrolase with 5, 7 and 9 resulted in time- and concentration-dependent inactivation of the enzyme and partial depletion of its NAD(+) content. From these results and characterisation of metabolites released during the inactivation process, hypothetical mechanisms are suggested. The antiviral activity of 5, 7 and 9 was examined. Significant activities were noted with 5 against Vaccinia, Junin and Taccaribe viruses.