DNA and RNA virus species are inhibited by xanthates, a class of antiviral compounds with unique properties.

Various DNA and RNA virus species are inhibited by xanthate compounds at concentrations that leave the mitotic activity of uninfected cells unimpaired. The concentration of tricyclodecan -9-yl- xanthogenate that reduces the yield of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 by 50% is between 4.5 and 33 microM. The replication of DNA viruses such as simian virus 40 can be blocked at the DNA and RNA level both early and late after infection. The xanthates are not incorporated into nucleic acids. Episomal bovine papilloma virus DNA replication and transcription are also inhibited in transformed cells. The treated cells revert to the normal phenotype by acquisition of contact inhibition and a flat morphology.