Ribavirin is a guanosine analog that interferes with the replication of RNA and DNA viruses. Moreover, ribavirin binds directly to eIF4E with micromolar affinity in vitro, competes efficiently with eIF4E:m7G mRNA cap binding in vitro and in cells, and specifically disrupts eIF4E:m7G functions in the transport and translation of eIF4E-regulated genes at low micromolar concentrations in cells, with consequent down-regulation of oncogenic proteins, cell-cycle arrest, and suppression of eIF4E-mediated transformation in vitro and in vivo.

KEYWORDS: Ribavirin | Supplier | Antiviral agent | 1-β-D-Ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide | CAS [36791-04-5] | DNA-RNA | Inhibitor | Hepatitis C | COVID-19 | Coronavirus