# Tricyclic Pyrrole-Based Compounds as Zika Virus Inhibitors

## TL;DR

Researchers developed new compounds that effectively inhibit the Zika virus by reducing its protein production.

## Contribution

The synthesis and evaluation of tricyclic pyrrole-based compounds as potent Zika virus inhibitors is presented.

## Key findings

- Compound 2g showed the best antiviral activity against ZIKV with an EC50 of 0.4 μM and a high Selectivity Index of 501.
- Three compounds (2g, 2h, and 2j) reduced ZIKV yield by impairing viral protein production.
- The compounds were tested against both ZIKV and SARS-CoV for antiviral activity.

## Abstract

A small library of 23 pyrrole-based tricyclic derivatives bearing bulky amine moieties was synthesized, and all were evaluated for their antiviral activities against ZIKV and SARS-CoV. Three compounds, derivatives 2g, 2h and 2j, elicited interesting activity against ZIKV: compound 2g, containing a bornylamine residue, showed the best activity against Huh-7 cells with EC50 and CC50 values of 0.4 μM and 230.5 μM, respectively, and a Selectivity Index (SI) of 501. All three compounds reduce ZIKV yield primarily by impairing viral protein.