Activity of the cytomegalovirus genome in the presence of PPi analogs.

PPi analogs and esters of these were studied for their effect on cytomegalovirus (CMV) multiplication. Five aromatic monoesters of phosphonoformate esterified either in the phosphono or the carboxylic group and two diesters were demonstrated to inhibit CMV DNA synthesis and late viral protein synthesis. In a direct assay, the monoesters but not the diesters inhibited CMV DNA polymerase activity. The production of early CMV antigens was not inhibited by any of the compounds. After incubation with either drug for periods up to 7 days, renewed viral production occurred on withdrawal of the compound. All inhibitory esters as well as PPi analogs showed a CMV multiplicity dependence. This was demonstrated both for CMV strain Ad.169 and for all tested CMV isolates. Evidence was found that the esters are hydrolyzed to phosphonoformate and, therefore, may be of importance as useful prodrugs in the specific therapy of CMV infections. The general phenomenon of reversibility to the productive state and the multiplicity dependence of CMV are important factors in any treatment schedule.