1
|
Lefèbre J, Falk T, Ning Y, Rademacher C. Secondary Sites of the C-type Lectin-Like Fold. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400660. [PMID: 38527187 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
C-type lectins are a large superfamily of proteins involved in a multitude of biological processes. In particular, their involvement in immunity and homeostasis has rendered them attractive targets for diverse therapeutic interventions. They share a characteristic C-type lectin-like domain whose adaptability enables them to bind a broad spectrum of ligands beyond the originally defined canonical Ca2+-dependent carbohydrate binding. Together with variable domain architecture and high-level conformational plasticity, this enables C-type lectins to meet diverse functional demands. Secondary sites provide another layer of regulation and are often intricately linked to functional diversity. Located remote from the canonical primary binding site, secondary sites can accommodate ligands with other physicochemical properties and alter protein dynamics, thus enhancing selectivity and enabling fine-tuning of the biological response. In this review, we outline the structural determinants allowing C-type lectins to perform a large variety of tasks and to accommodate the ligands associated with it. Using the six well-characterized Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent C-type lectin receptors DC-SIGN, langerin, MGL, dectin-1, CLEC-2 and NKG2D as examples, we focus on the characteristics of non-canonical interactions and secondary sites and their potential use in drug discovery endeavors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Lefèbre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport, Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Labs, Vienna, Austria
| | - Torben Falk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport, Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Labs, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yunzhan Ning
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport, Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Labs, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Rademacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of Vienna, Max F. Perutz Labs, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wei L, Xiang Z, Zou Y. The Role of NKG2D and Its Ligands in Autoimmune Diseases: New Targets for Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17545. [PMID: 38139373 PMCID: PMC10744089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417545] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells can clear infected and transformed cells and generate tolerance to themselves, which also prevents autoimmune diseases. Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) is an important activating immune receptor that is expressed on NK cells, CD8+ T cells, γδ T cells, and a very small percentage of CD4+ T cells. In contrast, the NKG2D ligand (NKG2D-L) is generally not expressed on normal cells but is overexpressed under stress. Thus, the inappropriate expression of NKG2D-L leads to the activation of self-reactive effector cells, which can trigger or exacerbate autoimmunity. In this review, we discuss the role of NKG2D and NKG2D-L in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), type I diabetes (T1DM), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease (CeD). The data suggest that NKG2D and NKG2D-L play a pathogenic role in some autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the development of strategies to block the interaction of NKG2D and NKG2D-L may have therapeutic effects in some autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; (L.W.); (Z.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang J, Nakafuku KM, Ziff J, Gelin CF, Gholami H, Thompson AA, Karpowich NK, Limon L, Coate HR, Damm-Ganamet KL, Shih AY, Grant JC, Côte M, Mak PA, Pascual HA, Rives ML, Edwards JP, Venable JD, Venkatesan H, Shi Z, Allen SJ, Sharma S, Kung PP, Shireman BT. Development of small molecule inhibitors of natural killer group 2D receptor (NKG2D). Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 96:129492. [PMID: 37778428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129492] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) is a homodimeric activating immunoreceptor whose function is to detect and eliminate compromised cells upon binding to the NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules class I-related chain A (MICA) and B (MICB) and UL16 binding proteins (ULBP1-6). While typically present at low levels in healthy cells and tissue, NKG2DL expression can be induced by viral infection, cellular stress or transformation. Aberrant activity along the NKG2D/NKG2DL axis has been associated with autoimmune diseases due to the increased expression of NKG2D ligands in human disease tissue, making NKG2D inhibitors an attractive target for immunomodulation. Herein we describe the discovery and optimization of small molecule PPI (protein-protein interaction) inhibitors of NKG2D/NKG2DL. Rapid SAR was guided by structure-based drug design and accomplished by iterative singleton and parallel medicinal chemistry synthesis. These efforts resulted in the identification of several potent analogs (14, 21, 30, 45) with functional activity and improved LLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Wang
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States.
| | - Kohki M Nakafuku
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States.
| | - Jeannie Ziff
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Christine F Gelin
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Hadi Gholami
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Aaron A Thompson
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Nathan K Karpowich
- Janssen Research & Development L.L.C., 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, United States
| | - Luis Limon
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Heather R Coate
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Kelly L Damm-Ganamet
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Amy Y Shih
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Joanna C Grant
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Marjorie Côte
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Puiying A Mak
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Heather A Pascual
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Marie-Laure Rives
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - James P Edwards
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Jennifer D Venable
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Hariharan Venkatesan
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Zhicai Shi
- Janssen Research & Development L.L.C., 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, United States
| | - Samantha J Allen
- Janssen Research & Development L.L.C., 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, United States
| | - Sujata Sharma
- Janssen Research & Development L.L.C., 1400 McKean Rd., Spring House, PA 19477, United States
| | - Pei-Pei Kung
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| | - Brock T Shireman
- Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA, 92121, United States
| |
Collapse
|