Tilorone is an orally active, antiviral compound that induces interferon production and is reported to have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions.1,2,3 With chronic administration, tilorone induces lysosomal glycosaminoglycan storage, rendering glycosaminoglycans resistant to enzymatic degradation.4
1.Stringfellow, D.A., and Glasgow, L.A.Tilorone hydrochloride: An oral interferon-inducing agentAntimicrob. Agents Chemother.2(2)73-78(1972) 2.Wissing, M.D., Dadon, T., Kim, E., et al.Small-molecule screening of PC3 prostate cancer cells identifies tilorone dihydrochloride to selectively inhibit cell growth based on cyclin-dependent kinase 5 expressionOncol. Rep.32419-424(2014) 3.Ratan, R.R., Siddiq, A., Aminova, L., et al.Small molecule activation of adaptive gene expression: Tilorone or its analogs are novel potent activators of hypoxia inducible factor-1 that provide prophylaxis against stroke and spinal cord injuryAnn. N. Y. Acad. Sci.1147383-394(2011) 4.Fischer, J.Tilorone-induced lysosomal storage of glycosaminoglycans in cultured corneal fibroblasts: Biochemical and physicochemical investigationsBiochem. J.312215-222(1995)