Investigations into the Mechanism of Action of Dengue Virus Inhibitor Compounds

Abstract

Several compounds have been recently identified which are effective against dengue virus, a tropical arbovirus highly prevalent in southeast Asia and central America. Initial intrinsic fluorescence characterization of the mechanism of action of compound B reveals binding affinity to the dengue capsid protein. A molecular beacon unwinding assay and malachite green ATPase assay indicate that compound C works to disrupt a component of the RNA-dependant helicase ATPase activity, possibly by competitively inhibiting RNA binding. These results are preliminary and further study is warranted to fully characterize the action of all three compounds.