1.Acyclovir, an antiviral agent Flashcards
1
Q
What is Acyclovir?
A
Antiviral used to treat Herpes
Nucleoside analogue
2
Q
Describe how herpes is a complex virus
A
Has relatively large amount of DNA
Can code for many of its own proteins and enzymes.
3
Q
What does the selective toxicity of acyclovir mean?
A
Acyclovir does not affect host cell
4
Q
How do nucleoside analogues inhibit viral replication?
A
Chain termination
Modified nucleoside incorporated into DNA lacks 3’ -OH
Prevents phosphodiester bond formation
5
Q
How is acyclovir specific?
A
Only activated inside virus infected cells
Higher affinity for viral DNA polymerase than for host cell polymerase
6
Q
When does acyclovir become activated?
A
When it comes into contact with THYMIDINE KINASE.
So only activates in cells which the virus has invaded and released thymidine kinase.
