Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of the halovirs, antiviral natural products from a marine-derived fungus.

The halovirs are linear, lipophilic peptides produced by a marine-derived fungus of the genus Scytalidium. We recently reported that these molecules possess potent in vitro activity against the herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2. Here we present structure-activity relationships defining key structural elements for optimal viral inhibition. Results demonstrate that an N(alpha)-acyl chain of at least 14 carbons and an Aib-Pro dipeptide are critical for maintaining the antiviral activity.