Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of tellurium derivatives in cells infected with herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus in vitro

Aim . To carry out a comparative analysis of the cytotoxic and antiviral properties of synthesized tellurium derivatives in model cellular systems of infections caused by herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus. Material and Methods . 4 organo‐tellurium compounds were studied using primary and continuous cell cultures in various infection schemes. Results . For each biological model studied, different thresholds of cytotoxicity concentration (TCD50 acute CC50 and CD50 CC50) were identified. Tellurium derivatives with methoxyphenyl and ethoxyphenyl ethene exhibit virus‐neutralizing activity, preventing the penetration of herpes simplex virus virions into sensitive cells. HTI (SI selectivity index) for these compounds was 84 and 77, respectively. Conclusion . The manifestation of the cytotoxic effect of all tellurium‐containing organic compounds for transplanted cells lies in a lower concentration than for primary cells. The data obtained in the analysis of antiviral activity showed that the derivatives have therapeutic properties against HSV infection in cell culture.