2-amino-9-(3-azido-2,3-dideoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-6-substituted-9H-purines: synthesis and anti-HIV activity.

A series of 2-amino-9-(3-azido-2,3-dideoxy-beta-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-6- substituted-9H-purines was synthesized and tested for the ability to protect MT4 cells from the cytopathic effect of HIV-1IIIB. These compounds were prepared by a combination of chemical and enzymatic reactions. Some of the nucleoside analogs with 6-alkoxy, 6-alkylamino, or 6-arylamino substituents were active against HIV-1IIIB. Their IC50 values were in the range of 2-60 microM. In contrast, analogs with 6-thio, 6-alkylthio, 6-methyl, or 6-carbonitrile substituents did not protect cells from the cytopathic effect of HIV infection.