2‐Phenylquinolones as Inhibitors of the HIV‐1 Tat–TAR Interaction

Novel 2-phenylquinolones aimed at the Tat-TAR complex were synthesized and tested. Derivatives characterized by precise modifications of the quinolone nucleus and to the side chain of the 2-phenyl ring allowed a thorough structure-activity study, confirming 2-phenylquinolone as a suitable scaffold for inhibition of the Tat-TAR interaction.