Alec Veliz, “The Exploration of Potential Inhibitors for Human Cytomegalovirus Through Organic Synthesis”
Mentor: Alexander Arnold, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Letters & Science (College of)
Poster #101
The Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a virus that can be found in a growing number of people around the globe. Most cases of HCMV infection are typically asymptomatic, though for those with compromised immune systems – such as infants and those with HIV/AIDS, it can quickly become life-threatening. Transmission often occurs during breastfeeding, close contact, and through blood transfusions. In a recent study done in collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), one compound, MLS000108969 (MLS8969), showed great potential in preventing the spread of HCMV at an early stage. This presentation will present details about the synthesis of an analog of MLS8969 generated for future testing for potential inhibitors. We have been working, based on this and many other studies, on a possible inhibitor of the spread of HCMV before the virus has the time to incubate. This was done through organic synthesis of the parent molecule, while also considering that it is still currently unknown which part of the molecule is responsible for binding to the necessary receptors. The synthesis is part of our investigation to determine the structure-activity relationship between these novel compounds. We present several reactions, purification, and characterization of the products through the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and various other analytical methods. The purification and synthesis processes are carried out to optimize the methods to make these compounds, which may be useful for the future treatment of HCMV before the virus has the potential to incubate and spread.