Cytotoxic, antiviral (in-vitro and in-vivo), immunomodulatory activity and influence on mitotic divisions of three taxol derivatives: 10-deacetyl-baccatin III, methyl (N-benzoyl-(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserinate) and N-benzoyl-(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserine

The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic, Antiviral (in-vitro and in-vivo) and immunomodulatory activity, as well as the influence on mitotic division, of three taxol derivatives representing modified parts of its molecule: 10-deacetyl-baccatin III, methyl (N-benzoyl-(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserinate) and N-benzoyl(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserine. The cytotoxicity of the compounds, assessed by the formazane method, was relatively low, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50)>500 microg mL-1. Moreover, all tested compounds inhibited Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) replication in non-cytotoxic concentrations in-vitro. Selectivity indices were in the range 9.5-46.7. Anti-HSV-1 activity of the compounds may be associated with their influence on mitotic division. All of the compounds decreased the number of cell divisions. Mitotic indices ranged from 40/1000 (4.0%) to 62/1000 (6.2%). One compound, 10-deacetyl-baccatin III, influenced the growth of tumours induced in mice by Infection with Moloney murine sarcoma virus. The effect of the tested compounds on T lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated by measurement of the activity of tritiated thymidine incorporated into DNA of dividing cells. One compound, methyl (N-benzoyl-(2'R,3'S)-3'-phenylisoserinate), inhibited T lymphocyte proliferation. This paper demonstrates that modified parts of the taxol molecule possess various types of biological activity in-vitro and in-vivo. Further experiments, focused on revealing their mechanisms of action, are necessary.