Antiviral activity of carbobenzosy di- and tripeptides on measles virus.

A series of simple carbobenzoxy peptides showed high and consistent antiviral chemotherapeutic activity in cell culture. In general, greatest activity was found against the measles-distemper or herpesvirus groups, or both, but various representatives of the series had quantitatively and qualitatively different antiviral activities. Several of the compounds, showing the highest antimeasles activity, were investigated extensively. In human cell culture plaque assays, these compounds were active against measles virus at levels of from 15 to 500 mug/ml. At single doses of about 250 to 500 mg/kg, orally in three animal species, significant serum levels of drugs were detected in virus cell culture assays. The mode of action appeared to be therapeutic, as an effect was seen in cell systems infected for at least 24 hr before treatment.