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. 1977 Jun;11(6):946–951. doi: 10.1128/aac.11.6.946

Inhibition of Influenza Virus Ribonucleic Acid Polymerase by Ribavirin Triphosphate

Bertil Eriksson 1, Erik Helgstrand 1, Nils Gunnar Johansson 1, Alf Larsson 1, Alfons Misiorny 1, Jan Olof Noren 1, Lennart Philipson 1, Kjell Stenberg 1, Goran Stening 1, Stig Stridh 1, Bo Öberg 1
PMCID: PMC352108  PMID: 879760

Abstract

Ribavirin 5′-triphosphate (RTP), derived from the broad-spectrum antiviral compound ribavirin (Virazole), can selectively inhibit influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase in a cell-free assay. Ribavirin and its 5′-monophosphate have no effect on the polymerase. The inhibition is competitive with respect to adenosine 5′-triphosphate and guanosine 5′-triphosphate. RTP also inhibits ApG- and GpC-stimulated influenza virus ribonucleic acid polymerase. Since ribavirin is phosphorylated in the cell, the inhibition of influenza multiplication in the cell may also be caused by RTP.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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