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Guo Y, Tong J, Liang J, Shi K, Song X, Guo Z, Liu B, Xu J. Molecular insight into binding affinities and blockade effects of selected flavonoid compounds on the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. RSC Adv 2024; 14:25908-25917. [PMID: 39157581 PMCID: PMC11328830 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03877k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the binding mechanisms of the flavonoids apigenin (Api), kaempferol (Kmp), and quercetin (Que) to the PD-L1 dimer using a combination of molecular modeling and experimental techniques. The binding free energy results demonstrated that the flavonoids could tightly bind to the PD-L1 dimer, with the binding abilities following the trend Que > Kmp > Api. Key residues Ile54, Tyr56, Met115, Ala121, and Tyr123 were identified as important for binding. The flavonoids primarily bind to the C-, F-, and G-sheet domains. The spontaneous formation of the complex systems was mainly driven by hydrophobic forces. Dynamic cross-correlation matrix and secondary structure analyses further indicated that the studied flavonoids could stably interact with the binding sites. ELISA results showed that the flavonoids could effectively block PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, although the inhibitory activity of Api was weaker. Therefore, flavonols might be more effective inhibitors compared to flavones. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of novel flavonoids targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- College of Food Science, Shanxi Normal University Taiyuan 030031 China
| | - Jinchang Tong
- College of Food Science, Shanxi Normal University Taiyuan 030031 China
| | - Jianhuai Liang
- Key Laboratory for Bio-based Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University Guangzhou 510630 China
| | - Kaixin Shi
- College of Food Science, Shanxi Normal University Taiyuan 030031 China
| | - Xinyue Song
- College of Food Science, Shanxi Normal University Taiyuan 030031 China
| | - Zichao Guo
- College of Food Science, Shanxi Normal University Taiyuan 030031 China
| | - Boping Liu
- Key Laboratory for Bio-based Materials and Energy of Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University Guangzhou 510630 China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- College of Food Science, Shanxi Normal University Taiyuan 030031 China
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2
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Konstantinidou M, Arkin MR. Molecular glues for protein-protein interactions: Progressing toward a new dream. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1064-1088. [PMID: 38701786 PMCID: PMC11193649 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The modulation of protein-protein interactions with small molecules is one of the most rapidly developing areas in drug discovery. In this review, we discuss advances over the past decade (2014-2023) focusing on molecular glues (MGs)-monovalent small molecules that induce proximity, either by stabilizing native interactions or by inducing neomorphic interactions. We include both serendipitous and rational discoveries and describe the different approaches that were used to identify them. We classify the compounds in three main categories: degradative MGs, non-degradative MGs or PPI stabilizers, and MGs that induce self-association. Diverse, illustrative examples with structural data are described in detail, emphasizing the elements of molecular recognition and cooperative binding at the interface that are fundamental for a MG mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Konstantinidou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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3
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Xu J, Kong Y, Zhu P, Du M, Liang X, Tong Y, Li X, Dong C. Progress in small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1161-1175. [PMID: 38665838 PMCID: PMC11042164 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00655g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
PD-L1 is a transmembrane protein overexpressed by tumor cells. It binds to PD-1 on the surface of T-cells, suppresses T-cell activity and hinders the immune response against cancer. Clinically, several monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have achieved significant success in cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, their disadvantages, such as unchecked immune responses, high cost and long half-life, stimulated pharmacologists to develop small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1. After a batch of excellent inhibitors with a biphenyl core structure were firstly reported by BMS, more and more researchers focused on small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1 rather than PD-1. Numerous small-molecule inhibitors were extensively designed and synthesized in the past few years. In this paper, the structural characteristics of PD-L1 and complexes of PD-L1 with its inhibitors are elaborated and small molecule inhibitors developed in the last decade are summarized as well. This paper aims to provide insights into further designing and synthesis of small molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindan Xu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Polysaccharide Research Center Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Polysaccharides and Drugs Research Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Yuanfang Kong
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Pengbo Zhu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Polysaccharide Research Center Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Polysaccharides and Drugs Research Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Mingyan Du
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Polysaccharide Research Center Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Polysaccharides and Drugs Research Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Xuan Liang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Yan Tong
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Polysaccharide Research Center Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Polysaccharides and Drugs Research Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
| | - Chunhong Dong
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Polysaccharide Research Center Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Polysaccharides and Drugs Research Zhengzhou 450046 Henan China
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4
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van der Straat R, Draijer R, Surmiak E, Butera R, Land L, Magiera-Mularz K, Musielak B, Plewka J, Holak TA, Dömling A. 1,5-Disubstituted tetrazoles as PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1210-1215. [PMID: 38665826 PMCID: PMC11042242 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00746d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The progress in cancer survival and treatment has witnessed a remarkable transformation through the innovative approach of targeting the inhibitory immune checkpoint protein PD-1/PD-L1 complex by mAbs, e.g. pembrolizumab (Keytruda). While generating 17.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2021, the true significance of these developments lies in their ability to enhance cancer patient outcomes. Despite the proven efficacy of mAbs in inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways, they face significant challenges, including limited response rates, high production costs, missing oral bioavailability, and extended half-lives that can lead to immune-related adverse effects. A promising alternative approach involves the use of small molecules acting as PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists to stimulate PD-L1 dimerization. However, the precise mechanisms of action of these molecules remain partially understood, posing challenges to their development. In this context, our research focuses on the creation of a novel scaffold based on the Ugi tetrazole four-component reaction (UT-4CR) to develop low-molecular-weight inhibitors of PD-L1. Employing structure-based methods, we synthesized a library of small compounds using biphenyl vinyl isocyanide, leading to the discovery of a structure-activity relationship among 1,5-disubstituted tetrazole-based inhibitors. Supported by a cocrystal structure with PD-L1, these inhibitors underwent biophysical testing, including HTRF and protein NMR experiments, resulting in the identification of potent candidates with sub-micromolar PD-L1 affinities. This finding opens opportunities to the further development of a new class of PD-L1 antagonists, holding promise for improved cancer immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin van der Straat
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie Draijer
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Ewa Surmiak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Roberto Butera
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Lennart Land
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Magiera-Mularz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Tad A Holak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palackȳ University in Olomouc Olomouc Czech Republic
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5
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Javed SA, Najmi A, Ahsan W, Zoghebi K. Targeting PD-1/PD-L-1 immune checkpoint inhibition for cancer immunotherapy: success and challenges. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383456. [PMID: 38660299 PMCID: PMC11039846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1) acts as a T-cell brake, and its interaction with ligand-1 (PD-L-1) interferes with signal transduction of the T-cell receptor. This leads to suppression of T-cell survival, proliferation, and activity in the tumor microenvironment resulting in compromised anticancer immunity. PD-1/PD-L-1 interaction blockade shown remarkable clinical success in various cancer immunotherapies. To date, most PD-1/PD-L-1 blockers approved for clinical use are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); however, their therapeutic use are limited owing to poor clinical responses in a proportion of patients. mAbs also displayed low tumor penetration, steep production costs, and incidences of immune-related side effects. This strongly indicates the importance of developing novel inhibitors as cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Recently, advancements in the small molecule-based inhibitors (SMIs) that directly block the PD-1/PD-L-1 axis gained attention from the scientific community involved in cancer research. SMIs demonstrated certain advantages over mAbs, including longer half-lives, low cost, greater cell penetration, and possibility of oral administration. Currently, several SMIs are in development pipeline as potential therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. To develop new SMIs, a wide range of structural scaffolds have been explored with excellent outcomes; biphenyl-based scaffolds are most studied. In this review, we analyzed the development of mAbs and SMIs targeting PD-1/PD-L-1 axis for cancer treatment. Altogether, the present review delves into the problems related to mAbs use and a detailed discussion on the development and current status of SMIs. This article may provide a comprehensive guide to medicinal chemists regarding the potential structural scaffolds required for PD-1/PD-L-1 interaction inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Zhang J, Yu J, Liu M, Xie Z, Lei X, Yang X, Huang S, Deng X, Wang Z, Tang G. Small-molecule modulators of tumor immune microenvironment. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107251. [PMID: 38442612 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy, aimed at increasing the activity of immune cells and reducing immunosuppressive effects, has attracted wide attention. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) is the most commonly explored therapeutic approach. All approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are clinically effective monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Compared with biological agents, small-molecule drugs have many unique advantages in tumor immunotherapy. Therefore, they also play an important role. Immunosuppressive signals such as PD-L1, IDO1, and TGF-β, etc. overexpressed in tumor cells form the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, the efficacy of multi-pathway combined immunotherapy has also been reported and verified. Here, we mainly reviewed the mechanism of tumor immunotherapy, analyzed the research status of small-molecule modulators, and discussed drug candidates' structure-activity relationship (SAR). It provides more opportunities for further research to design more immune small-molecule modulators with novel structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jia Yu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Meijing Liu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zhizhong Xie
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Jiuzhitang Co., Ltd, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Xiangping Deng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Guotao Tang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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7
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Xu X, Luo S, Zhao X, Tang B, Zhang E, Liu J, Duan L. Computational analysis of PD-L1 dimerization mechanism induced by small molecules and potential dynamical properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130921. [PMID: 38492688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The design of small molecule inhibitors that target the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a forefront issue in immune checkpoint blocking therapy. Small-molecule inhibitors have been shown to exert therapeutic effects by inducing dimerization of the PD-L1 protein, however, the specific mechanisms underlying this dimerization process remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, there is a notable lack of comparative studies examining the binding modes of structurally diverse inhibitors. In view of the research gaps, this work employed molecular dynamics simulations to meticulously examine the interactions between two distinct types of inhibitors and PD-L1 in both monomeric and dimeric forms, and predicted the dimerization mechanism. The results revealed that inhibitors initially bind to a PD-L1 monomer, subsequently attracting another monomer to form a dimer. Notably, symmetric inhibitors observed superior binding efficiency compared to other inhibitors. Key residues, including Ile54, Tyr56, Met115 and Tyr123 played a leading role in binding. Structurally, symmetric inhibitors were capable of thoroughly engaging the binding pocket, promoting a more symmetrical formation of PD-L1 dimers. Furthermore, symmetric inhibitors formed more extensive hydrophobic interactions with protein residues. The insights garnered from this research are expected to significantly contribute to the rational design and optimization of small molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Xu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Song Luo
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Bolin Tang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Enhao Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lili Duan
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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8
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Donati G, Viviano M, D'Amore VM, Cipriano A, Diakogiannaki I, Amato J, Tomassi S, Brancaccio D, Russomanno P, Di Leva FS, Arosio D, Seneci P, Taliani S, Magiera-Mularz K, Musielak B, Skalniak L, Holak TA, Castellano S, La Pietra V, Marinelli L. A combined approach of structure-based virtual screening and NMR to interrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 axis: Biphenyl-benzimidazole containing compounds as novel PD-L1 inhibitors. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300583. [PMID: 38110703 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a game-changing approach for cancer treatment. Although monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis have entered the market revolutionizing the treatment landscape of many cancer types, small molecules, although presenting several advantages including the possibility of oral administration and/or reduced costs, struggled to enter in clinical trials, suffering of water insolubility and/or inadequate potency compared with mAbs. Thus, the search for novel scaffolds for both the design of effective small molecules and possible synergistic strategies is an ongoing field of interest. In an attempt to find novel chemotypes, a virtual screening approach was employed, resulting in the identification of new chemical entities with a certain binding capability, the most versatile of which was the benzimidazole-containing compound 10. Through rational design, a small library of its derivatives was synthesized and evaluated. The homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay revealed that compound 17 shows the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50 ) in the submicromolar range and notably, differently from the major part of PD-L1 inhibitors, exhibits satisfactory water solubility properties. These findings highlight the potential of benzimidazole-based compounds as novel promising candidates for PD-L1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Donati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Tomassi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Lukasz Skalniak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Tad A Holak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | | | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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9
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Zhang Y, Shaabani S, Vowinkel K, Trombetta-Lima M, Sabogal-Guáqueta AM, Chen T, Hoekstra J, Lembeck J, Schmidt M, Decher N, Dömling A, Dolga AM. Novel SK channel positive modulators prevent ferroptosis and excitotoxicity in neuronal cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116163. [PMID: 38242037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activity has been proposed to play a role in the pathology of several neurological diseases. Besides regulating plasma membrane excitability, SK channel activation provides neuroprotection against ferroptotic cell death by reducing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach, integrating structure-based and computational techniques, to strategically design and synthesize an innovative class of potent small-molecule SK2 channel modifiers through highly efficient multicomponent reactions (MCRs). The compounds' neuroprotective activity was compared with the well-studied SK positive modulator, CyPPA. Pharmacological SK channel activation by selected compounds confers neuroprotection against ferroptosis at low nanomolar ranges compared to CyPPA, that mediates protection at micromolar concentrations, as shown by an MTT assay, real-time cell impedance measurements and propidium iodide staining (PI). These novel compounds suppress increased mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+ level induced by ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Moreover, axonal degeneration was rescued by these novel SK channel activators in primary mouse neurons and they attenuated glutamate-induced neuronal excitability, as shown via microelectrode array. Meanwhile, functional afterhyperpolarization of the novel SK2 channel modulators was validated by electrophysiological measurements showing more current change induced by the novel modulators than the reference compound, CyPPA. These data support the notion that SK2 channel activation can represent a therapeutic target for brain diseases in which ferroptosis and excitotoxicity contribute to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuequ Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsty Vowinkel
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Marina Trombetta-Lima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Biopharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Hoekstra
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Lembeck
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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10
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Abdel-Rahman SA, Gabr M. Small Molecule Immunomodulators as Next-Generation Therapeutics for Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:435. [PMID: 38275876 PMCID: PMC10814352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive astrocytic glioma, remains a therapeutic challenge despite multimodal approaches. Immunotherapy holds promise, but its efficacy is hindered by the highly immunosuppressive GBM microenvironment. This review underscores the urgent need to comprehend the intricate interactions between glioma and immune cells, shaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in GBM. Immunotherapeutic advancements have shown limited success, prompting exploration of immunomodulatory approaches targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and microglia, constituting a substantial portion of the GBM TME. Converting protumor M2-like TAMs to antitumor M1-like phenotypes emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses an additional challenge to successful immunotherapy, restricting drug delivery to GBM TME. Research efforts to enhance BBB permeability have mainly focused on small molecules, which can traverse the BBB more effectively than biologics. Despite over 200 clinical trials for GBM, studies on small molecule immunomodulators within the GBM TME are scarce. Developing small molecules with optimal brain penetration and selectivity against immunomodulatory pathways presents a promising avenue for combination therapies in GBM. This comprehensive review discusses various immunomodulatory pathways in GBM progression with a focus on immune checkpoints and TAM-related targets. The exploration of such molecules, with the capacity to selectively target key immunomodulatory pathways and penetrate the BBB, holds the key to unlocking new combination therapy approaches for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaya A. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Moustafa Gabr
- Department of Radiology, Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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11
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Surmiak E, Ząber J, Plewka J, Wojtanowicz G, Kocik-Krol J, Kruc O, Muszak D, Rodríguez I, Musielak B, Viviano M, Castellano S, Skalniak L, Magiera-Mularz K, Holak TA, Kalinowska-Tłuścik J. Solubilizer Tag Effect on PD-L1/Inhibitor Binding Properties for m-Terphenyl Derivatives. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:36-44. [PMID: 38229762 PMCID: PMC10788941 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Although heavily studied, the subject of anti-PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors is still elusive. Here we present a systematic overview of the principles behind successful anti-PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitor design on the example of the m-terphenyl scaffold, with a particular focus on the neglected influence of the solubilizer tag on the overall affinity toward PD-L1. The inhibitor developed according to the proposed guidelines was characterized through its potency in blocking PD-1/PD-L1 complex formation in homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence and cell-based assays. The affinity is also explained based on the crystal structure of the inhibitor itself and its costructure with PD-L1 as well as a molecular modeling study. Our results structuralize the knowledge related to the strong pharmacophore feature of the m-terphenyl scaffold preferential geometry and the more complex role of the solubilizer tag in PD-L1 homodimer stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Surmiak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Julia Ząber
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral
School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian
University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Wojtanowicz
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Justyna Kocik-Krol
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral
School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian
University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Oskar Kruc
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral
School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian
University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Damian Muszak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Ismael Rodríguez
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
- Doctoral
School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian
University, Łojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84085 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84085 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Lukasz Skalniak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | | | - Tad A. Holak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
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12
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Fuchs N, Zhang L, Calvo-Barreiro L, Kuncewicz K, Gabr M. Inhibitors of Immune Checkpoints: Small Molecule- and Peptide-Based Approaches. J Pers Med 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38248769 PMCID: PMC10817355 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary progress in cancer immunotherapy, particularly the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, marks a significant milestone in the fight against malignancies. However, the majority of clinically employed immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with several limitations, such as poor oral bioavailability and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). Another major limitation is the restriction of the efficacy of mAbs to a subset of cancer patients, which triggered extensive research efforts to identify alternative approaches in targeting immune checkpoints aiming to overcome the restricted efficacy of mAbs. This comprehensive review aims to explore the cutting-edge developments in targeting immune checkpoints, focusing on both small molecule- and peptide-based approaches. By delving into drug discovery platforms, we provide insights into the diverse strategies employed to identify and optimize small molecules and peptides as inhibitors of immune checkpoints. In addition, we discuss recent advances in nanomaterials as drug carriers, providing a basis for the development of small molecule- and peptide-based platforms for cancer immunotherapy. Ongoing research focused on the discovery of small molecules and peptide-inspired agents targeting immune checkpoints paves the way for developing orally bioavailable agents as the next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fuchs
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Longfei Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Moustafa Gabr
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
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13
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Ważyńska MA, Butera R, Requesens M, Plat A, Zarganes-Tzitzikas T, Neochoritis CG, Plewka J, Skalniak L, Kocik-Krol J, Musielak B, Magiera-Mularz K, Rodriguez I, Blok SN, de Bruyn M, Nijman HW, Elsinga PH, Holak TA, Dömling A. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 2-Hydroxy-4-phenylthiophene-3-carbonitrile as PD-L1 Antagonist and Its Comparison to Available Small Molecular PD-L1 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37450644 PMCID: PMC10388299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In search of a potent small molecular PD-L1 inhibitor, we designed and synthesized a compound based on a 2-hydroxy-4-phenylthiophene-3-carbonitrile moiety. Ligand's performance was tested in vitro and compared side-by-side with a known PD-L1 antagonist with a proven bioactivity BMS1166. Subsequently, we modified both compounds to allow 18F labeling that could be used for PET imaging. Radiolabeling, which is used in drug development and diagnosis, was applied to investigate the properties of those ligands and test them against tissue sections with diverse expression levels of PD-L1. We confirmed biological activity toward hPD-L1 for this inhibitor, comparable with BMS1166, while holding enhanced pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta A Ważyńska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Butera
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Requesens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annechien Plat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tryfon Zarganes-Tzitzikas
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, NDM Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7FZ Oxford, U.K
| | | | - Jacek Plewka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Lukasz Skalniak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Kocik-Krol
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicz St 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Magiera-Mularz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ismael Rodriguez
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicz St 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Simon N Blok
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and MolecularImaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco de Bruyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans W Nijman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Philip H Elsinga
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and MolecularImaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tad A Holak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc 77900, Czech Republic
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14
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Kciuk M, Marciniak B, Celik I, Zerroug E, Dubey A, Sundaraj R, Mujwar S, Bukowski K, Mojzych M, Kontek R. Pyrazolo[4,3- e]tetrazolo[1,5- b][1,2,4]triazine Sulfonamides as an Important Scaffold for Anticancer Drug Discovery-In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10959. [PMID: 37446136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides (MM-compounds) are a relatively new class of heterocyclic compounds that exhibit a wide variety of biological actions, including anticancer properties. Here, we used caspase enzyme activity assays, flow cytometry analysis of propidium iodide (PI)-stained cells, and a DNA laddering assay to investigate the mechanisms of cell death triggered by the MM-compounds (MM134, -6, -7, and -9). Due to inconsistent results in caspase activity assays, we have performed a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay, colony formation assay, and gene expression profiling. The compounds' cytotoxic and pro-oxidative properties were also assessed. Additionally, computational studies were performed to demonstrate the potential of the scaffold for future drug discovery endeavors. MM-compounds exhibited strong micromolar (0.06-0.35 µM) anti-proliferative and pro-oxidative activity in two cancer cell lines (BxPC-3 and PC-3). Activation of caspase 3/7 was observed following a 24-h treatment of BxPC-3 cells with IC50 concentrations of MM134, -6, and -9 compounds. However, no DNA fragmentation characteristics for apoptosis were observed in the flow cytometry and DNA laddering analysis. Gene expression data indicated up-regulation of BCL10, GADD45A, RIPK2, TNF, TNFRSF10B, and TNFRSF1A (TNF-R1) following treatment of cells with the MM134 compound. Moreover, in silico studies indicated AKT2 kinase as the primary target of compounds. MM-compounds exhibit strong cytotoxic activity with pro-oxidative, pro-apoptotic, and possibly pro-necroptotic properties that could be employed for further drug discovery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Kciuk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Marciniak
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ismail Celik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Enfale Zerroug
- Group of Computational and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, LMCE Laboratory, University of Biskra, BP 145, Biskra 07000, Algeria
| | - Amit Dubey
- Computational Chemistry and Drug Discovery Division, Quanta Calculus, Greater Noida 274203, Uttar Prades, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajamanikandan Sundaraj
- Centre for Drug Discovery, Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Somdutt Mujwar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Karol Bukowski
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mariusz Mojzych
- Department of Chemistry, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 3 Maja 54, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
| | - Renata Kontek
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
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15
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Donati G, D’Amore VM, Russomanno P, Cerofolini L, Amato J, Marzano S, Salobehaj M, Rizzo D, Assoni G, Carotenuto A, La Pietra V, Arosio D, Seneci P, Fragai M, Brancaccio D, Di Leva FS, Marinelli L. Theoretical and experimental studies on the interaction of biphenyl ligands with human and murine PD-L1: Up-to-date clues for drug design. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3355-3368. [PMID: 37384351 PMCID: PMC10293680 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Today it is widely recognized that the PD-1/PD-L1 axis plays a fundamental role in escaping the immune system in cancers, so that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have been evaluated for their antitumor properties in more than 1000 clinical trials. As a result, some of them have entered the market revolutionizing the treatment landscape of specific cancer types. Nonetheless, a new era based on the development of small molecules as anti PD-L1 drugs has begun. There are, however, some limitations to advancing these compounds into clinical stages including the possible difficulty in counteracting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in vivo, the discrepancy between the in vitro IC50 (HTFR assay) and cellular EC50 (immune checkpoint blockade co-culture assay), and the differences in ligands' affinity between human and murine PD-L1, which can affect their preclinical evaluation. Here, an extensive theoretical study, assisted by MicroScale Thermophoresis binding assays and NMR experiments, was performed to provide an atomistic picture of the binding event of three representative biphenyl-based compounds in both human and murine PD-L1. Structural determinants of the species' specificity were unraveled, providing unprecedented details useful for the design of next generation anti-PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Donati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria D’Amore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Russomanno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Salobehaj
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Domenico Rizzo
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giulia Assoni
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo I-38123, Trento, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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16
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Boisgerault N, Bertrand P. Inside PD-1/PD-L1,2 with their inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115465. [PMID: 37196547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including antibodies and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Boisgerault
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université D'Angers, CRCI2NA, LabEx IGO, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Bertrand
- University of Poitiers, IC2MP UMR 7285 CNRS, 4 Rue Michel Brunet B27, TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France.
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17
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Graziano G, Stefanachi A, Contino M, Prieto-Díaz R, Ligresti A, Kumar P, Scilimati A, Sotelo E, Leonetti F. Multicomponent Reaction-Assisted Drug Discovery: A Time- and Cost-Effective Green Approach Speeding Up Identification and Optimization of Anticancer Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6581. [PMID: 37047554 PMCID: PMC10095429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have emerged as a powerful strategy in synthetic organic chemistry due to their widespread applications in drug discovery and development. MCRs are flexible transformations in which three or more substrates react to form structurally complex products with high atomic efficiency. They are being increasingly appreciated as a highly exploratory and evolutionary tool by the medicinal chemistry community, opening the door to more sustainable, cost-effective and rapid synthesis of biologically active molecules. In recent years, MCR-based synthetic strategies have found extensive application in the field of drug discovery, and several anticancer drugs have been synthesized through MCRs. In this review, we present an overview of representative and recent literature examples documenting different approaches and applications of MCRs in the development of new anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Graziano
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Angela Stefanachi
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Marialessandra Contino
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Rubén Prieto-Díaz
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Poulami Kumar
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council of Italy, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Scilimati
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Eddy Sotelo
- Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS), Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francesco Leonetti
- Department of Pharmacy—Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
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18
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Sobral PS, Luz VCC, Almeida JMGCF, Videira PA, Pereira F. Computational Approaches Drive Developments in Immune-Oncology Therapies for PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065908. [PMID: 36982981 PMCID: PMC10054797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational approaches in immune-oncology therapies focus on using data-driven methods to identify potential immune targets and develop novel drug candidates. In particular, the search for PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has enlivened the field, leveraging the use of cheminformatics and bioinformatics tools to analyze large datasets of molecules, gene expression and protein-protein interactions. Up to now, there is still an unmet clinical need for improved ICIs and reliable predictive biomarkers. In this review, we highlight the computational methodologies applied to discovering and developing PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs for improved cancer immunotherapies with a greater focus in the last five years. The use of computer-aided drug design structure- and ligand-based virtual screening processes, molecular docking, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations methodologies essential for successful drug discovery campaigns focusing on antibodies, peptides or small-molecule ICIs are addressed. A list of recent databases and web tools used in the context of cancer and immunotherapy has been compilated and made available, namely regarding a general scope, cancer and immunology. In summary, computational approaches have become valuable tools for discovering and developing ICIs. Despite significant progress, there is still a need for improved ICIs and biomarkers, and recent databases and web tools have been compiled to aid in this pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia S Sobral
- LAQV and REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vanessa C C Luz
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - João M G C F Almeida
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Paula A Videira
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Florbela Pereira
- LAQV and REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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19
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DiFrancesco M, Hofer J, Aradhya A, Rufinus J, Stoddart J, Finocchiaro S, Mani J, Tevis S, Visconti M, Walawender G, DiFlumeri J, Fattakhova E, Patil SP. Discovery of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists through combined virtual screening and experimental validation. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 102:107804. [PMID: 36610303 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the interaction between the PD-1 protein on activated lymphocytes and the PD-L1 protein on tumors represents a novel therapeutic approach for selective activation of the innate immune response against a variety of cancers. Therefore, the present study utilized a combined virtual and experimental screening approach to screen databases of both lead-like and larger molecules for identification of novel inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. First, high-throughput virtual screening of ∼3.7 million lead-like molecules using a rigid-receptor docking approach against both human PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins revealed possible small-molecule tractability of PD-1, but not PD-L1, binding interface. The subsequent work, therefore, involved screening of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) compound database against the PD-1 pocket. Several NCI compounds were identified with potential to bind to the PD-1 pocket and in turn inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. The dynamic binding behavior of these molecules was further investigated using long 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) stimulation revealing NSC631535 to be a potentially stable binder at PD-1 interface pocket. In support of these MD data, the experimental testing of NSC631535 exhibited 50% inhibition at ∼15 μM test concentration. The observed activity of this compound is promising as despite its relatively low molecular weight (415.5 g/mol) it is still capable of inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction having a large interface area (∼1970 Å2). In summary, our integrated computational and experimental screening led to identification of a novel PD-1 antagonist that may serve as a starting point for further optimization into more potent small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Hofer
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Abhay Aradhya
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rufinus
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - John Stoddart
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Finocchiaro
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jabari Mani
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Sean Tevis
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Michael Visconti
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Griffin Walawender
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Juliette DiFlumeri
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Elena Fattakhova
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Sachin P Patil
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA.
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Thuru X, Magnez R, Vergoten G, Bailly C. A Potential Off-Target Effect of the Wnt/β-Catenin Inhibitor KYA1797K: PD-L1 Binding and Checkpoint Inhibition. Biomed Hub 2023; 8:1-9. [PMID: 36938364 PMCID: PMC10015704 DOI: 10.1159/000528499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The quest for small molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint continues in parallel to the extensive development of monoclonal antibodies directed against this immune checkpoint. Drug screening strategies are being set up to identify novel PD-L1 inhibitors. Methods A virtual screening based on molecular docking with the PD-L1 protein dimer has been performed to identify a new binder. Binding of the identified ligand to PD-L1 has been validated experimentally using a microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay. The cellular effect of the compound was evidenced using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay based on activation of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. Results We have identified the potent Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor KYA1797K as a weak PD-L1 binder. Molecular docking suggested that the compound can bind to the interface of a PD-L1 dimer, with a geometry superimposable to that of the reference PD-L1 inhibitor BMS-202. The atypical 2-thioxo-4-thiazolidinone motif of KYA1797K, derived from the natural product rhodanine, plays a major role in the interaction with PD-L1. Binding of KYA1797K to recombinant hPD-L1 was validated experimentally, using MST. The drug was found to bind modestly but effectively to hPD-L1. The FRET assay confirmed the weak capacity of KYA1797K to interfere with the activation of SHP-2 upon its interaction with human PD-1. Discussion Collectively, the data show that KYA1797K could function as a weak modulator of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. This effect may contribute, at least partially, to the reported capacity of the β-catenin inhibitor to downregulate PD-L1 in cancer cells. The work also underlines the interest to further consider the rhodanine moiety as a chemical motif for the design of new PD-L1 binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Thuru
- Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, UMR9020 − UMR1277 − Canther − Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University Lille, Lille, France
- *Xavier THURU,
| | - Romain Magnez
- Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, UMR9020 − UMR1277 − Canther − Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University Lille, Lille, France
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- Inserm, INFINITE − U1286, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, UMR9020 − UMR1277 − Canther − Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University Lille, Lille, France
- Oncowitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille (Wasquehal), France
- **Christian BAILLY,
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21
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Burley SK, Bhikadiya C, Bi C, Bittrich S, Chao H, Chen L, Craig PA, Crichlow GV, Dalenberg K, Duarte JM, Dutta S, Fayazi M, Feng Z, Flatt JW, Ganesan SJ, Ghosh S, Goodsell DS, Green RK, Guranovic V, Henry J, Hudson BP, Khokhriakov I, Lawson CL, Liang Y, Lowe R, Peisach E, Persikova I, Piehl DW, Rose Y, Sali A, Segura J, Sekharan M, Shao C, Vallat B, Voigt M, Webb B, Westbrook JD, Whetstone S, Young JY, Zalevsky A, Zardecki C. RCSB Protein Data bank: Tools for visualizing and understanding biological macromolecules in 3D. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4482. [PMID: 36281733 PMCID: PMC9667899 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Now in its 52nd year of continuous operations, the Protein Data Bank (PDB) is the premiere open-access global archive housing three-dimensional (3D) biomolecular structure data. It is jointly managed by the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) partnership. The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) is funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and US Department of Energy and serves as the US data center for the wwPDB. RCSB PDB is also responsible for the security of PDB data in its role as wwPDB-designated Archive Keeper. Every year, RCSB PDB serves tens of thousands of depositors of 3D macromolecular structure data (coming from macromolecular crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and micro-electron diffraction). The RCSB PDB research-focused web portal (RCSB.org) makes PDB data available at no charge and without usage restrictions to many millions of PDB data consumers around the world. The RCSB PDB training, outreach, and education web portal (PDB101.RCSB.org) serves nearly 700 K educators, students, and members of the public worldwide. This invited Tools Issue contribution describes how RCSB PDB (i) is organized; (ii) works with wwPDB partners to process new depositions; (iii) serves as the wwPDB-designated Archive Keeper; (iv) enables exploration and 3D visualization of PDB data via RCSB.org; and (v) supports training, outreach, and education via PDB101.RCSB.org. New tools and features at RCSB.org are presented using examples drawn from high-resolution structural studies of proteins relevant to treatment of human cancers by targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen K. Burley
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, RutgersThe State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Charmi Bhikadiya
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Chunxiao Bi
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sebastian Bittrich
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Henry Chao
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Li Chen
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Paul A. Craig
- School of Chemistry and Materials ScienceRochester Institute of TechnologyRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Gregg V. Crichlow
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Kenneth Dalenberg
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jose M. Duarte
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shuchismita Dutta
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Maryam Fayazi
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Zukang Feng
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Justin W. Flatt
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Sai J. Ganesan
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic SciencesQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sutapa Ghosh
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - David S. Goodsell
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational BiologyThe Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rachel Kramer Green
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Vladimir Guranovic
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jeremy Henry
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brian P. Hudson
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Igor Khokhriakov
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Catherine L. Lawson
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Yuhe Liang
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Robert Lowe
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Ezra Peisach
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Irina Persikova
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Dennis W. Piehl
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Yana Rose
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Andrej Sali
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic SciencesQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joan Segura
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data BankSan Diego Supercomputer Center, University of CaliforniaLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Monica Sekharan
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Chenghua Shao
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Brinda Vallat
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Maria Voigt
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Benjamin Webb
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic SciencesQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - John D. Westbrook
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Shamara Whetstone
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Jasmine Y. Young
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Arthur Zalevsky
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic SciencesQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Department of Pharmaceutical ChemistryQuantitative Biosciences Institute, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Christine Zardecki
- Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
- Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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22
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Richaud AD, Zaghouani M, Zhao G, Wangpaichitr M, Savaraj N, Roche SP. Exploiting the Innate Plasticity of the Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD1) Receptor to Design Pembrolizumab H3 Loop Mimics. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200449. [PMID: 36082509 PMCID: PMC10029098 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade of the immunoreceptor programmed cell death-1 (PD1) with its ligand-1 (PDL1) by monoclonal antibodies such as pembrolizumab provided compelling clinical results in various cancer types, yet the molecular mechanism by which this drug blocks the PD1/PDL1 interface remains unclear. To address this question, we examined the conformational motion of PD1 associated with the binding of pembrolizumab. Our results revealed that the innate plasticity of both C'D and FG loops is crucial to form a deep binding groove (371 Å3 ) across several distant epitopes of PD1. This analysis ultimately provided a rational-design to create pembrolizumab H3 loop mimics [RDYRFDMGFD] into β-hairpin scaffolds. As a result, a 20-residue long β-hairpin peptide 1 e was identified as a first-in-class potent PD1-inhibitor (EC50 of 0.29 μM; Ki of 41 nM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis D Richaud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Mehdi Zaghouani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | - Guangkuan Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
| | | | - Niramol Savaraj
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33458, USA
| | - Stéphane P Roche
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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23
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Biphenyl-based small molecule inhibitors: Novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117001. [PMID: 36126447 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint proteins are those key to the body's immunity which can either boost the immune system to protect the body from pathogens; or suppress the body's immunity system for the goal of self-tolerance. Cancer cells have evolved some mechanisms to boost the immuno-inhibitory checkpoints to bypass the immune system of the body. The binding of Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) protein with its ligand Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) promotes this kind of immune-inhibitory signal. The discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors was started in the early 21st century; with some success through monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and small molecules. Being the most reliable and safest way to target immune checkpoints, the scientific community is exploring possibilities to develop small molecule inhibitors. Among the different scaffolds of the small molecule, the most exposed and researched core molecule is Biphenyl-based scaffolds. We have described all of the possible biphenyl-based small molecules in this article, as well as their interactions with various amino acids in the binding cavity. The link between the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo activities of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are well connected. The Tyr56, Met115, Ala121, and Asp122 were detected as the crucial amino acids of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. Additionally, a detailed binding pocket analysis of the PD-L1 receptor was carried out, where it was observed and confirmed that the binding pocket is tunnel-shaped and hydrophobic in nature. Finally, the structure-activity relationship of the biphenyl-based small molecule inhibitors was developed based on their activity and the binding interactions.
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24
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Acharya S, Bhaumick P, Kumar R, Choudhury LH. Iodine-Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Pyrimidine-Linked Imidazopyridines. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:18660-18670. [PMID: 35694517 PMCID: PMC9178772 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a metal-free one-pot three-component reaction of aryl methyl ketones, 2-aminopyridines, and barbituric acids for the synthesis of pyrimidine-linked imidazopyridines using a catalytic amount of molecular iodine in DMSO medium. This process involves a one-pot C-H oxidation, followed by the formation of one C-C and two C-N bonds. A wide variety of aryl methyl ketones and 2-aminopyridines were found to be suitable for this methodology. The UV and fluorescence properties of the synthesized products were studied in water and DMSO media. Most of the synthesized products exhibited very good to excellent fluorescence quantum yield. Among all the products, compounds 4p and 4q showed the maximum fluorescence quantum yield (0.36) in water medium under basic conditions and compound 4c showed the maximum fluorescence quantum yield (0.75) in DMSO medium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prabhas Bhaumick
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Patna, Patna 801106, India
| | - Rohit Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Patna, Patna 801106, India
| | - Lokman H. Choudhury
- Department of Chemistry, Indian
Institute of Technology Patna, Patna 801106, India
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25
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Biphenyl Ether Analogs Containing Pomalidomide as Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Programmed Cell Death-1/Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Interaction. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113454. [PMID: 35684392 PMCID: PMC9181982 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
New biphenyl-based chimeric compounds containing pomalidomide were developed and evaluated for their activity to inhibit and degrade the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death- ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) complex. Most of the compounds displayed excellent inhibitory activity against PD-1/PD-L1, as assessed by the homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) binding assay. Among them, compound 3 is one of the best with an IC50 value of 60 nM. Using an ex vivo PD-1/PD-L1 blockade cell line bioassay that expresses human PD-1 and PD-L1, we show that compounds 4 and 5 significantly restore the repressed immunity in this co-culture model. Western blot data, however, demonstrated that these anti-PD-L1/pomalidomide chimeras could not reduce the protein levels of PD-L1.
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26
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Preparation of Novel Pyrazolo[4,3- e]tetrazolo[1,5- b][1,2,4]triazine Sulfonamides and Their Experimental and Computational Biological Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115892. [PMID: 35682571 PMCID: PMC9180621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrazolo[4,3-e]tetrazolo[1,5-b][1,2,4]triazine sulfonamides constitute a novel class of heterocyclic compounds with broad biological activity, including anticancer properties. Investigated in this study, MM-compounds (MM134, MM136, MM137, and MM139) exhibited cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity against cancer cell lines (BxPC-3, PC-3, and HCT-116) in nanomolar concentrations without causing cytotoxicity in normal cells (L929 and WI38). In silico predictions indicate that tested compounds exhibit favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and may exert anticancer activity through the inhibition of BTK kinase, the AKT-mTOR pathway and PD1-PD-L1 interaction. Our findings point out that these sulfonamide derivatives may constitute a source of new anticancer drugs after optimization.
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27
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Lu L, Qi Z, Wang T, Zhang X, Zhang K, Wang K, Cheng Y, Xiao Y, Li Z, Jiang S. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of PD-1/PD-L1 Antagonists Bearing a Benzamide Scaffold. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:586-592. [PMID: 35450381 PMCID: PMC9014519 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several antibodies targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer therapy. Although many small-molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been reported, no small-molecule inhibitors have been approved for cancer treatment. In this work, a series of novel benzamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated to find effective inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. The most potent compound D2 exhibited better activity than that of BMS202, with an IC50 of 16.17 nM. D2 could activate the antitumor immunity of T cells efficiently in PBMCs. The proposed binding mode of compound D2 was investigated by docking analysis. These results indicate that compound D2 is a promising lead compound that can be used for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kaizhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Deng J, Cheng Z, Long J, Dömling A, Tortorella M, Wang Y. Small Molecule Inhibitors of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1): A Patent Review (2019-2021). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:575-589. [PMID: 35272536 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2045276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The blockade of immune checkpoints, especially the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with therapeutic antibodies, has shown success in treating cancers in recent years. Seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 have been approved by FDA. However, mAbs exhibit several disadvantages as compared to small molecules such as poor permeation, high manufacturing costs, immunogenicity as well as lacking oral bioavailability. Recently, small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1 have been disclosed with the ability to modulate the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. AREAS COVERED The authors reviewed small molecules targeting PD-L1 that block the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction for the treatment of various diseases. EXPERT OPINION Compared with mAbs, PD-1/PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors show several advantages such as improved tissue penetration, low immunogenicity, well-understood formulation and lower manufacturing costs. They can serve as complementary or synergistically with mAbs for immune therapy. However, at this time most of the reported inhibitors are still inferior to therapeutic antibodies in their inhibitory activities due to smaller molecular weight. Therefore, better small molecules need to be developed to improve their potencies. Moreover, although several PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors have shown excellent preclinical results, their safety and efficacy in the clinic still awaits further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Deng
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Zhengqi Cheng
- Department of Drug Discovery, Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Juyang Long
- Department of Drug Discovery, Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Micky Tortorella
- Department of Drug Discovery, Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yuanze Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery, Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Das D, Jena AK, Pal CK, Bourda L, Van Hecke K. CuI Nanoparticles‐Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of 3‐Nitro‐2‐arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines using Oxygen as Oxidant. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.202100776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dibya Das
- Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University Chemistry Department of ChemistryMaharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanjadeo University(Erstwhile North Orissa University) Sriram Chandra Vihar, Takatpur, Baripada, Od 757003 Baripada INDIA
| | - Ashis Kumar Jena
- North Orissa University Chemistry Sriram Chandra ViharTakatpur 757003 Baripada INDIA
| | - Chandan Kumar Pal
- Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University Chemistry Department of ChemistryMaharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanjadeo University(Erstwhile North Orissa University) Sriram Chandra Vihar, Takatpur, Baripada, Od 757003 Baripada INDIA
| | - Laurens Bourda
- Ghent University: Universiteit Gent Chemistry 9000 Ghent BELGIUM
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Vergoten G, Bailly C. Molecular docking study of britannin binding to PD-L1 and related anticancer pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2021; 42:454-461. [PMID: 34789056 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2021.2003816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The pseudoguaianolide-type sesquiterpene lactone (SL) britannin (BRT), found in different Inula species, has been characterized as a potent anticancer agent acting via modulation of the transcription factor NFkB and the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. In addition, a BRT-induced down-regulation of the immune checkpoint PD-L1 (programmed cell death ligand 1) expressed on cancer cells has been evidenced. Here we have performed a docking analysis of the direct binding of BRT to the PD-L1 protein, both in its monomeric and dimeric state. BRT appears to form stable complexes with PD-L1, with a preference for the dimeric form, binding at the interface of the two monomers. The calculated empirical energy of interaction (ΔE) value reaches -63.1 kcal/mol for the BRT-PD-L1 dimer complex, not far from the value calculated with the reference PD-L1 ligand BMS-202 (ΔE = -73.4 kcal/mol) under identical conditions. We also studied the potential PD-L1 dimer binding of 15 pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones analogues to BRT, including helenalin, gaillardin, bigelovin, coronopilin, and others. The docking analysis predicted that the SL chamissonolide (CHM) can also form equally stable complexes with PD-L1 dimer (ΔE = -64.8 kcal/mol). Preliminary compound structure-PD-L1 binding relationships have been delineated. This computational study supports the proposed interaction of BRT with PD-L1 and provides a guidance to the design of novel PD-L1 binders incorporating a SL-like tricyclic core unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Vergoten
- University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE - U1286, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille (Wasquehal), France
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