Exploring synthetic ureidyl carbohydrates for potential human adenovirus inhibition

Adenoviruses (Ads) are common pathogens in patients with compromised immunity being a potentially life-threatening disease. Human Ads are usually associated with respiratory infections, gastroenteritis or viral conjunctivitis among others pathologies with significant clinical impact.

Pharmacological approach for the treatment of these Ads involves several targets such as DNA polymerase, coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor or human adenovirus proteinase (AVP). Recently, privileged structures based on piperazin-2-one have been used as effective molecules for Ad DNA replication through unknown mechanism so far.

Herein, we report an easy synthesis of both mono and disaccharides ureidyl-glucosamine derivatives in good yields, that mimic a feasible interaction with active sites of Ad proteinase. All new compounds were characterised by means of ¹H, ¹³C NMR as well as mass spectrometry. Finally, a biological screening for synthesized compounds on human epithelial cell was carried out.