Inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus-host cell interactions by mono- and diamidines.

Several aromatic mono- and diamidines were found to block cell fusion induced by respiratory syncytial virus. The best inhibitors were able to achieve complete suppression of syncytium formation at a concentration of 1.0 microM. Inhibition occurred in respiratory syncytial virus-infected HEp-2 and CV-1 cells, but the same inhibitors were ineffective in preventing fusion induced by parainfluenza virus type 3. The fusion inhibitors did not reduce single-cycle virus yields, but did reduce multiple-cycle yields. In addition, the active compounds caused a significant retardation of respiratory syncytial virus penetration. The mechanism by which amidines interfere with respiratory syncytial virus-host cell interactions is unknown, but parallels can be drawn between antiviral activity and the ability of the compounds to inhibit certain trypsin-like proteases.