Anti-HIV properties of cationic fullerene derivatives.

A series of regioisomeric bis-fulleropyrrolidines bearing two ammonium groups have been synthesized and their activities against HIV-1 and HIV-2 have been evaluated. Two trans isomers have been endowed with interesting antiviral properties, confirming the importance of the relative positions of the substituent on the C(60) cage. In addition, reduced amphiphilicity of molecules to other compounds previously reported decreases their cytotoxicity in CEM cell cultures. None of the compounds showed any inhibitory activity against a variety of DNA and RNA viruses other than HIV.