Enhanced Biological Activity of Antisense Oligonucleotides Containing 5-(1-Hexynyl)-substituted Pyrimidine Nucleotides

Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides directed against HSV- 1 immediate early gene mRNA were synthesized with replacement of the internal pyrimidine nucleotides by the corresponding 5-(l-hexynyl) analogues and with end-capping by phosphorothioates. These compounds were found to have improved binding affinity, increased stability towards nucleases and enhanced antiviral activity in a cell culture assay.