CR-1-31-B

CR-1-31-B is a synthetic rocaglate compound and a potent inhibitor of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A), specifically targeting both eIF4A1 and eIF4A2 isoforms[1][2][3]. It exerts its pharmacological effects by perturbing the interaction between eIF4A and RNA, thereby blocking the initiation of protein synthesis, which is critical for both normal and pathological cellular processes[1][3]. This mechanism underlies its activity as an anticancer agent, inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell types, including gallbladder cancer, neuroblastoma, and leukemia, and it has shown efficacy in sensitizing resistant cancer cells to apoptosis-inducing therapies such as TRAIL[1][6]. CR-1-31-B also exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity, particularly against RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting viral protein synthesis[5][7]. The compound is structurally related to silvestrol but is less complex, making it more straightforward to synthesize[5]. As of now, CR-1-31-B is primarily used in preclinical research and is not approved for human therapeutic use[3].