A3- and A2B-fluorocorroles: synthesis, X-ray characterization and antiviral activity evaluation against human cytomegalovirus infection

Antiviral Activity of the Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonate Prodrug LAVR-289 against Poxviruses and African Swine Fever Virus

Poxviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses including relevant zoonotic pathogens with high morbidity and potential biological warfare threats. Although African swine fever virus belongs to the Asfarviridae family and is not strictly classified as a Poxviridae member, both fall within the same class of Pokkesviricetes that replicate in the cytoplasm. Among compounds targeting these viruses, acyclic nucleoside phosphonate (ANP) prodrugs are promising inhibitors of viral DNA polymerases. However, some limitations related to their toxicity and the rapid emergence of resistance highlight the need for new antiviral molecules. In this study, we tested a new ANP called LAVR-289. This product effectively inhibits viral replication by targeting a specific domain in the poxvirus DNA polymerase. Using monkeypox virus models, the subcutaneous or oral administration of LAVR-289 demonstrated protective efficacy in infected animals without toxicity. Its in vivo half-life, long on-the-shelf stability and broad-spectrum efficacy make LAVR-289 a promising candidate for further development and stockpiling as a medical countermeasure against dsDNA virus outbreaks. LAVR-289 can be positioned in the context of recurrent viral epidemics, bioterrorism risk, and the emergence of resistant strains in the population.

Evaluation of carboxylic acid-derivatized corroles as novel gram-positive antibacterial agents under non-photodynamic inactivation conditions

Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of carboxylic acid corroles bearing either one, two, three of four carboxylic groups as gram-positive antibacterial agents against two strains of S. aureus, one methicillin-sensible (MSSA) and the other methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Lead compounds 5 and 6 show low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.78 μg/mL against both MSSA and MRSA. These molecules, previously underexplored as antibacterial agents, can now serve as a new scaffold for antimicrobial development.

Corroles at work: a small macrocycle for great applications

Corrole chemistry has witnessed an impressive boost in studies in the last 20 years, thanks to the possibility of preparing corrole derivatives by simple synthetic procedures. The investigation of a large number of corroles has highlighted some peculiar characteristics of these macrocycles, having features different from those of the parent porphyrins. With this progress in the elucidation of corrole properties, attention has been focused on the potential for the exploitation of corrole derivatives in different important application fields. In some areas, the potential of corroles has been studied in certain detail, for example, the use of corrole metal complexes as electrocatalysts for energy conversion. In some other areas, the field is still in its infancy, such as in the exploitation of corroles in solar cells. Herein, we report an overview of the different applications of corroles, focusing on the studies reported in the last five years.

Antipoxvirus Activity Evaluation of Optimized Corroles Based on Development of Autofluorescent ANCHOR Myxoma Virus

A series of 43 antiviral corrole-based molecules have been tested on myxoma virus (Lausanne-like T1MYXV strain). An autofluorescent MYXV, with an ANCHOR cassette, has been used for the studies. A₂B-fluorocorroles display various toxicities, from 40 being very toxic (CC₅₀ = 1.7 μM) to nontoxic 38 (CC₅₀ > 50 μM), whereas A₃-fluorocorroles, with one to three fluorine atoms, are not toxic (with the exception of corroles 9, 10, and 22). In vitro, these compounds show a good selectivity index when used alone. Corrole 35 seems to be the most promising compound, which displays a high selectivity index with the lowest IC₅₀. Interestingly, this "Hit" corrole is easy to synthesize in a two-step reaction. Upscaling production up to 25 g has been carried out for in vivo tests. In vivo studies on New Zealand white rabbits infected with myxoma virus show that symptoms are delayed and animal weight is increased upon treatment, while no acute toxicity of the corrole molecule was detected.

Minding our P-block and Q-bands: paving inroads into main group corrole research to help instil broader potential

Main group chemistry is often considered less "dynamic" than transition metal (TM) chemistry because of predictable VSEPR-based central atom geometries, relatively slower redox switching and lack of electronic d-d transitions. However, we delineate what has been made possible with main group chemistry to give it its proper due and up-to-date treatment. The huge untapped potential regarding photophysical properties and functioning hereby spurred us to review a range of corrole reports addressing primarily photophysical trends, synthetic aspects, and important guidelines regarding substitution and inorganic principles. We also look at Ag and Au systems and also consider substitutions such as CF3, halogens, additives and also counterions. Throughout, as well as at the end of this review, we suggest various future directions; further future industrial catalytic and health science research is encouraged.