Background
Ribavirin is a purine ribonucleoside analogue most widely known for its broad-spectrum anti-viral properties against both RNA and DNA viruses. Ribavirin is capable of mimicking the activity of inosine, guanosine, or adenosine and has mutagenic properties that can cause the disruption of viral genome transcription and translation. The monophosphate metabolite is a competitive inhibitor of inosine monophosphate (IMP) dehydrogenase with a Ki value of 270 nM (1-3). Ribavirin multifariousness enables simultaneous manipulation of both viral and host enzymatic processes and exhibits several immunomodulatory mechanisms including key roles in the mediation of pathways such as ERK, eIF4E, MNK1, EZH2, and MAPK (4,5). Studies have shown that in vitro treatment of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) with Ribavirin and interferon-α2b reduces viral replication, making Ribavirin a compound of interest when studying severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (6,7).
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- Graci, J.D. and Cameron, C.E. Rev Med Virol 16, 37-48.
- Casaos, J. et al. (2018) Oncotarget 9, 8054-67.
- Falzarano, D. et al. (2013) Sci Rep 3, 1686.
- Wang, M. et al. (2020) Cell Res 30, 269-71.
Molecular Formula
C8H12N4O5
Molecular Weight
244.2 g/mol
Purity
>98%
CAS
36791-04-5
Solubility
Soluble in DMSO at 25 mg/ml or water at 25 mg/ml.
Storage
Directions for Use
Ribavirin is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For a 20 mM stock, reconstitute 5 mg of powder in 1.02 ml of DMSO. Working concentrations and length of treatment can vary depending on the desired effect.
Background References
Cross-Reactivity Key
H: human M: mouse R: rat Hm: hamster Mk: monkey Vir: virus Mi: mink C: chicken Dm: D. melanogaster X: Xenopus Z: zebrafish B: bovine Dg: dog Pg: pig Sc: S. cerevisiae Ce: C. elegans Hr: horse GP: Guinea Pig Rab: rabbit All: all species expected
Trademarks and Patents
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