Synthesis, antiviral, and anti-HIV-1 integrase activities of 3-aroyl-1,1-dioxo-1,4,2-benzodithiazines

Abstract

HIV-1 integrase (IN) is an essential enzyme for effective viral replication and is an attractive target for selective blockade of viral infection. Previously, we identified a series of sulfones, sulfonamides, and mercaptosalicylhydrazides (MBSAs) as IN inhibitors with antiviral activities in cell-based assays. In an effort to optimize a series of our active site directed lead compounds, we designed and synthesized novel benzodithiazines starting from MBSAs. In contrast to all reported IN inhibitors benzodithiazines are essentially nontoxic. Significant antiviral potency was only observed at concentration exceedingly higher than that required to inhibit purified IN.