A series of 29 nucleosides was evaluated for anti-TBEV/cytotoxicity effects using standardised in vitro assay systems.
A relatively stringent structure-activity relationship exists for modifications at the 2′, 3′, and 4′ nucleoside positions.
Some structure-activity relationship flexibility was found for changes of the purine/pyrimidine heterobase identity.
Structural modifications of the heterobase were accompanied by either inefficacy against TBEV or cytotoxicity.
C2′ methyl or C4′ azido substituents are crucial for a highly selective TBEV inhibition and a low cytotoxicity in vitro.