Inhibition of human cytomegalovirus replication by 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine alone and in combination with human interferons.

The inhibitory action of 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine on the replication of human cytomegalovirus was studied. Three laboratory strains (AD-169, Towne, and Davis) and three early passage (less than 10) clinical isolates were all inhibited in yield inhibition assays. In cultures infected with AD-169, virus yields could be inhibited if the drug was added as late as 3 days after the replication cycle had begun. The effects of the drug were fully reversible during the first 4 days of the viral replication cycle. Viral infectivity and viral DNA synthesis were reduced more than viral protein synthesis. Synergistic antiviral effects were observed with beta-cysteine, and to a lesser extent, with beta-serine recombinant interferons, but only over a narrow range of dose combinations.