Ring expanded nucleoside analogues inhibit RNA helicase and intracellular human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication

series of ring expanded nucleoside (REN) analogues were synthesized and screened for inhibition of cellular RNA helicase activity and human immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. We identified two compounds, 1 and 2, that inhibited the ATP dependent activity of human RNA helicase DDX3. Compounds 1 and 2 also Suppressed HIV-I replication in T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages. Neither compound at therapeutic doses was significantly toxic ill ex vivo cell culture or in vivo in mice. Our finding's provide proof-of-concept that a cellular factor, all RNA helicase. Could be targeted for inhibiting HIV-1 replication.