Molecular Pharmacology, Vol 14, 271-277, Copyright © 1978 by the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

Polymeric Drugs: Direct Compared with Indirect Inhibition of Leukemia Virus Replication in Mice

¹ The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
² National Institute on Aging, Gerontology Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21224

Inhibition of viral replication by macromolecular drugs may occur by direct interference or by aid of the body’s defenses. Poly-9-vinyladenine, an electroneutral and nontoxic analogue of polyadenylic acid, seems to interfere directly with replication of Friend leukemia virus in mice. This polymer did not change the host immune response (cellular or humoral), induce interferon or affect the induction of interferon by other agents, inhibit the replication of a lytic (Semliki Forest) virus, or inhibit the growth of transplanted L1210 tumor (presumably of nonviral origin). Antiviral activity was observed only when the polymer was administered daily, but the drug did not have to be applied at the time or via the route of infection. Statolon, a polynucleotide-containing polyanionic macromolecule, inhibited the same virus by multifaceted action, as this macromolecule both enhanced the immune response and induced interferon. The antiviral activity of statolon could be observed even after a single dose of this macromolecule.