Identification and optimization of indolo[2,3-c]quinoline inhibitors of IRAK4

The recent advance of Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 inhibitors for the treatment of inflammation and related diseases

The interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK-4) is a member of serine-threonine kinase family, which plays an important role in the regulation of interleukin-1 receptors (IL-1R) and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) related signaling pathways. At present, the IRAK-4 mediated inflammation and related signaling pathways contribute to inflammation, which are also responsible for other autoimmune diseases and drug resistance in cancers. Therefore, targeting IRAK-4 to develop single-target, multi-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degraders is an important direction for the treatment of inflammation and related diseases. Moreover, insight into the mechanism of action and structural optimization of the reported IRAK-4 inhibitors will provide the new direction to enrich the clinical therapies for inflammation and related diseases. In this comprehensive review, we introduced the recent advance of IRAK-4 inhibitors and degraders with regards to structural optimization, mechanism of action and clinical application that would be helpful for the development of more potent chemical entities against IRAK-4.

Enhanced IFN Sensing by Aggressive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells

Type I IFN is made by cells in response to stress. Cancer cells exist in a state of stress, but their IFN response is complex and not completely understood. This study investigated the role of autocrine IFN in human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. CLL cells were found to make low amounts of IFN via TANK-binding kinase 1 pathways, but p-STAT1 and -STAT2 proteins along with IFN-stimulated genes that reflect IFN activation were variably downregulated in cultured CLL cells by the neutralizing IFNAR1 Ab anifrolumab. Patients with CLL were segregated into two groups based on the response of their leukemia cells to anifrolumab. Samples associated with more aggressive clinical behavior indicated by unmutated IGHV genes along with high CD38 and p-Bruton’s tyrosine kinase expression exhibited responses to low amounts of IFN that were blocked by anifrolumab. Samples with more indolent behavior were unaffected by anifrolumab. Hypersensitivity to IFN was associated with higher expression of IFNAR1, MX1, STAT1, and STAT2 proteins and lower activity of negative regulatory tyrosine phosphatases. Autocrine IFN protected responsive CLL cells from stressful tissue culture environments and therapeutic drugs such as ibrutinib and venetoclax in vitro, in part by upregulating Mcl-1 expression. These findings suggest hypersensitivity to IFN may promote aggressive clinical behavior. Specific blockade of IFN signaling may improve outcomes for patients with CLL with higher-risk disease.

Design and Characterization of Immune-Stimulating Imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Traditional antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology has employed tumor-targeting antibodies to selectively deliver ultrapotent cytotoxins to tumor tissue. While this technology has been highly successful, resulting in the FDA approval of over 10 ADCs, the field continues to struggle with modest efficacy and significant off-target toxicity. Concurrent with the struggles of the ADC field, a new generation of immune-activating therapeutics has arisen, most clearly exemplified by the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors that are now part of standard-of-care treatment regimens for a variety of cancers. The success of these immuno-oncology therapeutic agents has prompted the investigation of a variety of new immuno-stimulant approaches, including toll-like receptor (TLR) activators. Herein, we describe the optimization of ADC technology for the selective delivery of a potent series of TLR7 agonists. A series of imidazole[4,5-c]quinoline agonists (as exemplified by compound 1) were shown to selectively agonize the human and mouse TLR7 receptor at low nanomolar concentrations, resulting in the release of IFNα from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and the upregulation of CD86 on antigen-presenting cells. Compound 1 was attached to a deglycosylated (Fc-γ null) HER2-targeting antibody via a cleavable linker, resulting in an ADC (anti-HER2_vc-1) that potently and selectively activated the TLR7 pathway in tumor-associated macrophages via a "bystander" mechanism. We demonstrated that this ADC rapidly released the TLR7 agonist into the media when incubated with HER2+ cells. This release was not observed upon incubation with an isotype control ADC and furthermore was suppressed by co-administration of the naked antibody. In co-culture experiments with HER2+ HCC1954 cells, this ADC induced the activation of the NFκB pathway in mouse macrophages and the release of IFNα from hPBMCs, while a corresponding isotype control ADC did not. Finally, we demonstrated that IP administration of anti-HER2_vc-1 induced complete tumor regression in an HCC1954 xenograft study in SCID beige mice. Unlike related ADC technology that has been reported recently, our technology relies on the passive diffusion of the TLR7 agonist into tumor-associated macrophages rather than Fc-γ-mediated uptake. Based on these observations, we believe that this ADC technology holds significant potential for both oncology and infectious disease applications.

Oral IRAK4 inhibitor BAY-1834845 prevents acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lethal clinical entity that has become an emergency event with the outbreak of COVID-19. However, to date, there are no well-proven pharmacotherapies except dexamethasone. This study is aimed to evaluate IRAK4 inhibitors as a potential treatment for ARDS-cytokine release syndrome (CRS). We applied two IRAK4 inhibitors, BAY-1834845 and PF-06650833 to an inhaled lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS mouse model with control of high dose dexamethasone (10 mg/kg). Unexpectedly, although both compounds had excellent IC₅₀ on IRAK4 kinase activity, only BAY-1834845 but not PF-06650833 or high dose dexamethasone could significantly prevent lung injury according to a blinded pathology scoring. Further, only BAY-1834845 and BAY-1834845 combined with dexamethasone could effectively improve the injury score of pre-existed ARDS. Compared with PF-06650833 and high dose dexamethasone, BAY-1834845 remarkably decreased inflammatory cells infiltrating lung tissue and neutrophil count in BALF. BAY-1834845, DEX, and the combination of the two agents could decrease BALF total T cells, monocyte, and macrophages. In further cell type enrichment analysis based on lung tissue RNA-seq, both BAY-1834845 and dexamethasone decreased signatures of inflammatory cells and effector lymphocytes. Interestingly, unlike the dexamethasone group, BAY-1834845 largely preserved the signatures of naïve lymphocytes and stromal cells such as endothelial cells, chondrocytes, and smooth muscle cells. Differential gene enrichment suggested that BAY-1834845 downregulated genes more efficiently than dexamethasone, especially TNF, IL-17, interferon, and Toll-like receptor signaling.

Role of basic aminoalkyl chains in the lead optimization of Indoloquinoline alkaloids

Indoloquinoline (IQ) is an important class of naturally occurring antimalarial alkaloids, mainly represented by cryptolepine, isocryptolepine, and neocryptolepine. The IQ structural framework consists of four isomeric ring systems differing via the linkage of indole with quinoline as [3,2-b], [3,2-c], [2,3-c], and [2,3-b]. Structurally, IQs are planar and thus they bind strongly to the DNA which largely contributes to their biological properties. The structural rigidity and associated nonspecific cellular toxicity is a key shortcoming of the IQ structural framework for preclinical development. Thus, the lead optimization efforts were aimed at improving the therapeutic window and ADME properties of IQs. The structural modifications mainly involved attaching the basic aminoalkyl chains that positively modulates the vital physicochemical and topological parameters, thereby improves biological activity. Our analysis has found that the aminoalkylation consistently improved the selectivity index and provided acceptable in-vivo antimalarial/anticancer activity. Herein, we critically review the role of aminoalkylation in deciphering the antimalarial and cytotoxic activity of IQs.

Identification of MALT1 feedback mechanisms enables rational design of potent antilymphoma regimens for ABC-DLBCL

MALT1 inhibitors are promising therapeutic agents for B-cell lymphomas that are dependent on constitutive or aberrant signaling pathways. However, a potential limitation for signal transduction-targeted therapies is the occurrence of feedback mechanisms that enable escape from the full impact of such drugs. Here, we used a functional genomics screen in activated B-cell-like (ABC) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells treated with a small molecule irreversible inhibitor of MALT1 to identify genes that might confer resistance or enhance the activity of MALT1 inhibition (MALT1i). We find that loss of B-cell receptor (BCR)- and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-activating proteins enhanced sensitivity, whereas loss of negative regulators of these pathways (eg, TRAF2, TNFAIP3) promoted resistance. These findings were validated by knockdown of individual genes and a combinatorial drug screen focused on BCR and PI3K pathway-targeting drugs. Among these, the most potent combinatorial effect was observed with PI3Kδ inhibitors against ABC-DLBCLs in vitro and in vivo, but that led to an adaptive increase in phosphorylated S6 and eventual disease progression. Along these lines, MALT1i promoted increased MTORC1 activity and phosphorylation of S6K1-T389 and S6-S235/6, an effect that was only partially blocked by PI3Kδ inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, simultaneous inhibition of MALT1 and MTORC1 prevented S6 phosphorylation, yielded potent activity against DLBCL cell lines and primary patient specimens, and resulted in more profound tumor regression and significantly improved survival of ABC-DLBCLs in vivo compared with PI3K inhibitors. These findings provide a basis for maximal therapeutic impact of MALT1 inhibitors in the clinic, by disrupting feedback mechanisms that might otherwise limit their efficacy.

Discovery of a Selective, Covalent IRAK1 Inhibitor with Antiproliferative Activity in MYD88 Mutated B-Cell Lymphoma

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are serine/threonine kinases that play critical roles in initiating the innate immune response against foreign pathogens. Additionally, dysregulation of IRAK1 signaling plays a role in neoplastic disorders. For example, IRAK1 was shown to be important for survival and proliferation in many B-cell lymphomas, including Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) and ABC subtype Diffused Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. Here, we report the discovery of a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor of IRAK1, JH-X-119-01. Intact protein MS labeling studies confirmed that JH-X-119-01 irreversibly labels IRAK1 at C302. This compound exhibited cytotoxic activity at single digit micromolar concentrations in a panel of WM, DLBCL, and lymphoma cell lines expressing MYD88. Cotreatment of JH-X-119-01 with the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib resulted in synergistic killing effects in these systems. Taken together, JH-X-119-01 represents a highly selective probe of IRAK1 for further development.

Central IRAK-4 kinase inhibition for the treatment of pain following nerve injury in rats

There is ample evidence for the role of the immune system in developing chronic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Especially Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their associated signaling components and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, induced after injury, are involved in nociceptive processes and believed to contribute to the manifestation of chronic neuropathic pain states. Whereas the inhibition of the kinase function of IRAK-4, a central kinase downstream of TLRs and IL-1 receptors (IL-1Rs), seems efficacious in various chronic inflammatory and autoimmune models, it's role in regulating chronic neuropathic pain remained elusive to date. Here, we examined whether pharmacological inhibition of IRAK-4 kinase activity using PF-06650833 and BMS-986147, two clinical-stage kinase inhibitors, is effective for controlling persistent pain following nerve injury. Both inhibitors potently inhibited TLR-triggered cytokine release in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) as well as human and rat whole blood cultures. BMS-986147 showing favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, significantly inhibited R848-triggered plasma TNF levels in a rat in vivo cytokine release model after single oral dosing. However, BMS-986147 dose dependently reversed cold allodynia in a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model following intrathecal administration only, supporting the notion that central neuro-immune modulation is beneficial for treating chronic neuropathic pain. Although both inhibitors were efficacious in inhibiting IL-1β- or TLR-triggered cytokine release in rat dorsal root ganglion cultures, only partial efficacy was reached in IL-1β-stimulated human glial cultures indicating that inhibiting IRAK-4́'s kinase function might be partially dispensable for human IL-1β driven neuroinflammation. Overall, our data demonstrate that IRAK-4 inhibitors could provide therapeutic benefit in chronic pain following nerve injury, and the central driver for efficacy in the neuropathic pain model as well as potential side effects of centrally available IRAK-4 inhibitors warrant further investigation to develop effective analgesia for patients in high unmet medical need.

Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PF-06650833, a selective interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) inhibitor, in single and multiple ascending dose randomized phase 1 studies in healthy subjects

Background

PF-06650833 is a potent, selective inhibitor of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4). Two randomized, double-blind, sponsor-open phase 1 studies evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single (SAD) and multiple ascending doses (MAD) of PF-06650833 immediate-release (IR) and modified-release (MR) oral formulations in healthy adult subjects.

Methods

Study 1 (NCT02224651) was a 96-day, placebo-substitution, SAD study of once-daily (QD) oral PF-06650833 IR 1 to 6000 mg and MR 30 to 300 mg in fasted and fed states. Study 2 (NCT02485769) was a 14-day, placebo-controlled, MAD study of PF-06650833 IR 25 to 750 mg twice daily, IR 1000 mg four times per day, IR 330 mg three times per day, and MR 300 mg QD.

Results

PF-06650833 was generally well tolerated, with no dose-limiting treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) identified in either study. TEAEs were generally mild in severity, with headache, gastrointestinal disorders, and acne most commonly reported. No serious AEs or deaths were reported. A maximum tolerated dose was not established in either study. In the SAD study, food intake delayed absorption of IR 30 mg and increased total exposure by 33%. Delayed absorption was achieved with the MR formulation (T_max of 1 h versus 8 h for IR 100 mg and MR 100 mg formulations, respectively). Food had no effect on total exposure for MR 30 mg, but reduced half-life 1.8-fold and increased C_max by 62%. In the MAD study, accumulation ranged from 0.9-fold to 1.4-fold for AUC_tau and 0.9-fold to 1.3-fold for C_max. Less than 1% of the dose was recovered unchanged in urine for all dose groups, with renal clearance ranging from 14 to 23 mL/min for IR < 750 mg and MR 300 mg. There was a sustained decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for IR ≥ 250 mg and MR 300 mg. Based on the cholesterol/hydroxycholesterol ratio, no apparent CYP3A induction or inhibition was observed.

Conclusions

PF-06650833, the first IRAK4 inhibitor to enter clinical development, has a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile and has shown evidence of pharmacological effect. The data support continued evaluation in human clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02224651, registered 25 August 2014; NCT02485769, registered 30 June 2015

Inhibition of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) as a therapeutic strategy

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAK1, IRAK2, IRAK3 [IRAK-M], and IRAK4) are serine-threonine kinases involved in toll-like receptor and interleukin-1 signaling pathways, through which they regulate innate immunity and inflammation. Evidence exists that IRAKs play key roles in the pathophysiologies of cancers, and metabolic and inflammatory diseases, and that IRAK inhibition has potential therapeutic benefits. Molecules capable of selectively interfering with IRAK function and expression have been reported, paving the way for the clinical evaluation of IRAK inhibition. Herein, we focus on IRAK1, review its structure and physiological roles, and summarize emerging data for IRAK1 inhibitors in preclinical and clinical studies.

Identification of Toll-like receptor signaling inhibitors based on selective activation of hierarchically acting signaling proteins

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize various pathogen- and host tissue-derived molecules and initiate inflammatory immune responses. Exaggerated or prolonged TLR activation, however, can lead to etiologically diverse diseases, such as bacterial sepsis, metabolic and autoimmune diseases, or stroke. Despite the apparent medical need, no small-molecule drugs against TLR pathways are clinically available. This may be because of the complex signaling mechanisms of TLRs, which are governed by a series of protein-protein interactions initiated by Toll/interleukin-1 receptor homology domains (TIR) found in TLRs and the cytoplasmic adaptor proteins TIRAP and MyD88. Oligomerization of TLRs with MyD88 or TIRAP leads to the recruitment of members of the IRAK family of kinases and the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF6. We developed a phenotypic drug screening system based on the inducible homodimerization of either TIRAP, MyD88, or TRAF6, that ranked hits according to their hierarchy of action. From a bioactive compound library, we identified methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (MPP) as a TLR-specific inhibitor. Structure-activity relationship analysis, quantitative proteomics, protein-protein interaction assays, and cellular thermal shift assays suggested that MPP targets the TIR domain of MyD88. Chemical evolution of the original MPP scaffold generated compounds with selectivity for distinct TLRs that interfered with specific TIR interactions. Administration of an MPP analog to mice protected them from TLR4-dependent inflammation. These results validate this phenotypic screening approach and suggest that the MPP scaffold could serve as a starting point for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

TLR4 Signaling Pathway Modulators as Potential Therapeutics in Inflammation and Sepsis

Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) signal pathway plays an important role in initiating the innate immune response and its activation by bacterial endotoxin is responsible for chronic and acute inflammatory disorders that are becoming more and more frequent in developed countries. Modulation of the TLR4 pathway is a potential strategy to specifically target these pathologies. Among the diseases caused by TLR4 abnormal activation by bacterial endotoxin, sepsis is the most dangerous one because it is a life-threatening acute system inflammatory condition that still lacks specific pharmacological treatment. Here, we review molecules at a preclinical or clinical phase of development, that are active in inhibiting the TLR4-MyD88 and TLR4-TRIF pathways in animal models. These are low-molecular weight compounds of natural and synthetic origin that can be considered leads for drug development. The results of in vivo studies in the sepsis model and the mechanisms of action of drug leads are presented and critically discussed, evidencing the differences in treatment results from rodents to humans.

Discovery of Clinical Candidate 1-{[(2S,3S,4S)-3-Ethyl-4-fluoro-5-oxopyrrolidin-2-yl]methoxy}-7-methoxyisoquinoline-6-carboxamide (PF-06650833), a Potent, Selective Inhibitor of Interleukin-1 Receptor Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4), by Fragment-Based Drug Design

Through fragment-based drug design focused on engaging the active site of IRAK4 and leveraging three-dimensional topology in a ligand-efficient manner, a micromolar hit identified from a screen of a Pfizer fragment library was optimized to afford IRAK4 inhibitors with nanomolar potency in cellular assays. The medicinal chemistry effort featured the judicious placement of lipophilicity, informed by co-crystal structures with IRAK4 and optimization of ADME properties to deliver clinical candidate PF-06650833 (compound 40). This compound displays a 5-unit increase in lipophilic efficiency from the fragment hit, excellent kinase selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties suitable for oral administration.

Small Molecule Inhibition of Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4 (IRAK4)

In recent years, interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4, IRAK4, has become an attractive target for many medicinal chemistry programmes. Target inhibition is of potential therapeutic value in areas including autoimmune disorders, cancer, inflammatory diseases, and possibly neurodegenerative diseases. Results from high-throughput screening efforts have led, in conjunction with structure-based drug design, to the identification of highly potent and selective small molecule IRAK4 inhibitors from many diverse chemical series. In vitro and in vivo studies with entities from distinct structural classes have helped elucidate the downstream pharmacological responses associated with IRAK4 inhibition as a proof of concept in disease models, leading to the recent initiation of human clinical trials. Within this review, we will highlight the considerable effort by numerous groups dedicated to the development of small molecule IRAK4 inhibitors for the treatment of human disease.

Therapeutic Targeting of MLL Degradation Pathways in MLL-Rearranged Leukemia

Chromosomal translocations of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene with various partner genes result in aggressive leukemia with dismal outcomes. Despite similar expression at the mRNA level from the wild-type and chimeric MLL alleles, the chimeric protein is more stable. We report that UBE2O functions in regulating the stability of wild-type MLL in response to interleukin-1 signaling. Targeting wild-type MLL degradation impedes MLL leukemia cell proliferation, and it downregulates a specific group of target genes of the MLL chimeras and their oncogenic cofactor, the super elongation complex. Pharmacologically inhibiting this pathway substantially delays progression, and it improves survival of murine leukemia through stabilizing wild-type MLL protein, which displaces the MLL chimera from some of its target genes and, therefore, relieves the cellular oncogenic addiction to MLL chimeras. Stabilization of MLL provides us with a paradigm in the development of therapies for aggressive MLL leukemia and perhaps for other cancers caused by translocations.

Recent Progress in the Molecular Recognition and Therapeutic Importance of Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinase 4

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most upstream pattern recognition receptors in the cell, which detect pathogen associated molecular patterns and initiate signal transduction, culminating in the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antiviral interferon. Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a key mediator in TLR (except for TLR3) and interleukin-1 receptor signaling pathways. The loss of kinase function of IRAK4 is associated with increased susceptibility to various pathogens, while its over-activation causes autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cancer. The therapeutic importance of this master kinase has been advocated by a number of recent preclinical studies, where potent inhibitors have been administered to improve various TLR-mediated pathologies. Increasing studies of X-ray crystallographic structures with bound inhibitors have improved our knowledge on the molecular recognition of ligands by IRAK4, which will be crucial for the development of new inhibitors with improved potencies. In this review, we briefly discuss the structural aspect of ligand recognition by IRAK4 and highlight its therapeutic importance in the context of TLR-associated unmet medical needs.

Selective interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 inhibitors for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and lymphoid malignancy

Kelly et al. report the development of two highly selective and bioavailable small molecule IRAK4 inhibitors and show for the first time their therapeutic efficacy in autoimmune disorders and in a specific subset of diffuse large B cell lymphomas in mice.

Pathological activation of the Toll-like receptor signaling adaptor protein MYD88 underlies many autoimmune and inflammatory disease states. In the activated B cell–like (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the oncogenic MYD88 L265P mutation occurs in 29% of cases, making it the most prevalent activating mutation in this malignancy. IRAK4 kinase accounts for almost all of the biological functions of MYD88, highlighting IRAK4 as a therapeutic target for diseases driven by aberrant MYD88 signaling. Using innovative structure-based drug design methodologies, we report the development of highly selective and bioavailable small molecule IRAK4 inhibitors, ND-2158 and ND-2110. These small molecules suppressed LPS-induced TNF production, alleviated collagen-induced arthritis, and blocked gout formation in mouse models. IRAK4 inhibition promoted killing of ABC DLBCL lines harboring MYD88 L265P, by down-modulating survival signals, including NF-κB and autocrine IL-6/IL-10 engagement of the JAK–STAT3 pathway. In ABC DLBCL xenograft models, IRAK4 inhibition suppressed tumor growth as a single agent, and in combination with the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib or the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199. Our findings support pharmacological inhibition of IRAK4 as a therapeutic strategy in autoimmune disorders, in a genetically defined population of ABC DLBCL, and possibly other malignancies dependent on aberrant MYD88 signaling.

Discovery of potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitors of interleukin-1 receptor-associate kinase-4

In this Letter, we report the continued optimization of the N-acyl-2-aminobenzimidazole series, focusing in particular on the N-alkyl substituent and 5-position of the benzimidazole based on the binding mode and the early SAR. These efforts led to the discovery of 16, a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of IRAK-4.

Identification of N-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)carboxamide inhibitors of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4: Bicyclic core modifications

IRAK4 plays a critical role in the IL-1R and TLR signalling, and selective inhibition of the kinase activity of the protein represents an attractive target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. A series of permeable N-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)carboxamides was developed by introducing lipophilic bicyclic cores in place of the polar pyrazolopyrimidine core of 5-amino-N-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxamides. Replacement of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine core with the pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine, the pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine, and thieno[2,3-b]pyrazine cores guided by cLogD led to the identification of highly permeable IRAK4 inhibitors with excellent potency and kinase selectivity.

Discovery and Structure Enabled Synthesis of 2,6-Diaminopyrimidin-4-one IRAK4 Inhibitors

We report the identification and synthesis of a series of aminopyrimidin-4-one IRAK4 inhibitors. Through high throughput screening, an aminopyrimidine hit was identified and modified via structure enabled design to generate a new, potent, and kinase selective pyrimidin-4-one chemotype. This chemotype is exemplified by compound 16, which has potent IRAK4 inhibition activity (IC50 = 27 nM) and excellent kinase selectivity (>100-fold against 99% of 111 tested kinases), and compound 31, which displays potent IRAK4 activity (IC50 = 93 nM) and good rat bioavailability (F = 42%).

Discovery of 5-Amino-N-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxamide Inhibitors of IRAK4

Interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is an essential signal transducer downstream of the IL-1R and TLR superfamily, and selective inhibition of the kinase activity of the protein represents an attractive target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. A series of 5-amino-N-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxamides was developed via sequential modifications to the 5-position of the pyrazolopyrimidine ring and the 3-position of the pyrazole ring. Replacement of substituents responsible for poor permeability and improvement of physical properties guided by cLogD led to the identification of IRAK4 inhibitors with excellent potency, kinase selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties suitable for oral dosing.

Potent and Selective Amidopyrazole Inhibitors of IRAK4 That Are Efficacious in a Rodent Model of Inflammation

IRAK4 is a critical upstream kinase in the IL-1R/TLR signaling pathway. Inhibition of IRAK4 is hypothesized to be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune related disorders. A screening campaign identified a pyrazole class of IRAK4 inhibitors that were determined by X-ray crystallography to exhibit an unusual binding mode. SAR efforts focused on the identification of a potent and selective inhibitor with good aqueous solubility and rodent pharmacokinetics. Pyrazole C-3 piperidines were well tolerated, with N-sulfonyl analogues generally having good rodent oral exposure but poor solubility. N-Alkyl piperidines exhibited excellent solubility and reduced exposure. Pyrazoles possessing N-1 pyridine and fluorophenyl substituents were among the most active. Piperazine 32 was a potent enzyme inhibitor with good cellular activity. Compound 32 reduced the in vivo production of proinflammatory cytokines and was orally efficacious in a mouse antibody induced arthritis disease model of inflammation.

Initial optimization and series evolution of diaminopyrimidine inhibitors of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4

IRAK4 plays a key role in TLR/IL-1 signaling. Previous efforts identified a series of aminopyrimidine IRAK4 inhibitors that possess good potency, but modest kinase selectivity. Exploration of substituents at the C-2 and C-5 positions generated compounds that maintained IRAK4 potency and improved kinase selectivity. Additionally, it was found that the pyrimidine core could be replaced with a pyridine and still retain potency and kinase selectivity. The optimization efforts led to compound 26 which had an IRAK4 IC50 of 0.7 nM, an IC50 of 55 nM on THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS, a TLR4 agonist, and greater than 100-fold selectivity versus 96% of a panel of 306 kinases.

Discovery and hit-to-lead optimization of 2,6-diaminopyrimidine inhibitors of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4

Interleukin receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a critical element of the Toll-like/interleukin-1 receptor inflammation signaling pathway. A screening campaign identified a novel diaminopyrimidine hit that exhibits weak IRAK4 inhibitory activity and a ligand efficiency of 0.25. Hit-to-lead activities were conducted through independent SAR studies of each of the four pyrimidine substituents. Optimal activity was observed upon removal of the pyrimidine C-4 chloro substituent. The intact C-6 carboribose is required for IRAK4 inhibition. Numerous heteroaryls were tolerated at the C-5 position, with azabenzothiazoles conferring the best activities. Aminoheteroaryls were preferred at the C-2 position. These studies led to the discovery of inhibitors 35, 36, and 38 that exhibit nanomolar inhibition of IRAK4, improved ligand efficiencies, and modest kinase selectivities.