A 1,8-naphthyridone derivative targets the HIV-1 Tat-mediated transcription and potently inhibits the HIV-1 replication

Quantum chemical and spectroscopic investigations of 4-Hydroxy-7-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid

The FTIR (4000–400[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]) and the FT-Raman spectra (4000–50[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]) of 4-Hydroxy-7-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid are recorded and investigated. The spectra are interpreted using anharmonic frequency computations by VPT2, VSCF and PT2-VSCF methods within DFT/6-311G(d,p) framework. The root mean square (RMS) values indicate that VSCF computed frequencies are in close agreement with the observed frequencies. The combination and overtone bands are also identified in the FTIR spectrum. The intermolecular O-H[Formula: see text]O hydrogen bonding interactions are discussed in the dimer structure of the molecule. The magnitudes of the coupling between pair of modes are also computed. The electronic spectra in water and ethanol solvents are analyzed using TD-B3LYP/6-311[Formula: see text]G(d,p) level of theory. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and HOMO-LUMO analysis are also performed.

Recent advances in the identification of Tat-mediated transactivation inhibitors: progressing toward a functional cure of HIV

The current anti-HIV combination therapy does not eradicate the virus that persists mainly in quiescent infected CD4(+) T cells as a latent integrated provirus that resumes after therapy interruption. The Tat-mediated transactivation (TMT) is a critical step in the HIV replication cycle that could give the opportunity to reduce the size of latent reservoirs. More than two decades of research led to the identification of various TMT inhibitors. While none of them met the criteria to reach the market, the search for a suitable TMT inhibitor is still actively pursued. Really promising compounds, including one in a Phase III clinical trial, have been recently identified, thus warranting an update.

Iodine-catalyzed formation of substituted 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives in PEG400

An iodine-catalyzed formation of substituted 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives is herein described using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant in PEG₄₀₀.

A facile one-pot multi-component synthesis of novel adamantine substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives: identification and structure–activity relationship study of their anti-HIV-1 activity

A series of adamantine substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives were developed through a one-pot multi-component Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé reaction, among them several compounds were identified to be the potent inhibitors against HIV-1 cells.

V. Synthesis of new fused heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via C–S and C–C bond formation by C–H bond activation in the presence of new Pd(ii) Schiff's base complexes

Pd(ii) Schiff base macrocyclic complexes are used as photocatalysts with high stability, C–S bond and intramolecular C–H bond activation under visible light irradiation.

Design and Synthesis of DiselenoBisBenzamides (DISeBAs) as Nucleocapsid Protein 7 (NCp7) Inhibitors with anti-HIV Activity

The interest in the synthesis of Se-containing compounds is growing with the discovery of derivatives exhibiting various biological activities. In this manuscript, we have identified a series of 2,2'-diselenobisbenzamides (DISeBAs) as novel HIV retroviral nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7) inhibitors. Because of its pleiotropic functions in the whole viral life cycle and its mutation intolerant nature, NCp7 represents a target of great interest which is not reached by any anti-HIV agent in clinical use. Using the diselenobisbenzoic scaffold, amino acid, and benzenesulfonamide derivatives were prepared and biologically profiled against different models of HIV infection. The incorporation of amino acids such as glycine and glutamate into DISeBAs 7 and 8 resulted in selective anti-HIV activity against both acutely and chronically infected cells as well as an interesting virucidal effect. DISeBAs demonstrated broad antiretroviral activity, encompassing HIV-1 drug-resistant strains including clinical isolates, as well as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Time of addition experiments, along with the observed dose dependent inhibition of the Gag precursor proper processing, confirmed that their mechanism of action is based on NCp7 inhibition.

Targeting HIV transcription: the quest for a functional cure

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) potently suppresses HIV-1 replication, but the virus persists in quiescent infected CD4(+)T cells as a latent integrated provirus, and patients must indefinitely remain on therapy. If ART is terminated, these integrated proviruses can reactivate, driving new rounds of infection. A functional cure for HIV requires eliminating low-level ongoing viral replication that persists in certain tissue sanctuaries and preventing viral reactivation. The HIV Tat protein plays an essential role in HIV transcription by recruiting the kinase activity of the P-TEFb complex to the viral mRNA's stem-bulge-loop structure, TAR, activating transcriptional elongation. Because the Tat-mediated transactivation cascade is critical for robust HIV replication, the Tat/TAR/P-TEFb complex is one of the most attractive targets for drug development. Importantly, compounds that interfere with transcription could impair viral reactivation, low-level ongoing replication, and replenishment of the latent reservoir, thereby reducing the size of the latent reservoir pool. Here, we discuss the potential importance of transcriptional inhibitors in the treatment of latent HIV-1 disease and review recent findings on targeting Tat, TAR, and P-TEFb individually or as part of a complex. Finally, we discuss the impact of extracellular Tat in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and cancers.

Diversity oriented synthesis of 6-nitro- and 6-aminoquinolones and their activity as alkaline phosphatase inhibitors

The novel quinolone derivatives synthesized by cyclization of α,β-ynones with primary amines were shown to be promising TNAP and IAP inhibitors.

Exploiting the anti-HIV 6-desfluoroquinolones to design multiple ligands

It is getting clearer that many drugs effective in different therapeutic areas act on multiple rather than single targets. The application of polypharmacology concepts might have numerous advantages especially for disease such as HIV/AIDS, where the rapid emergence of resistance requires a complex combination of more than one drug. In this paper, we have designed three hybrid molecules combining WM5, a quinolone derivative we previously identified as HIV Tat-mediated transcription (TMT) inhibitor, with the tricyclic core of nevirapine and BILR 355BS (BILR) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to investigate whether it could be possible to obtain molecules acting on both transcription steps of the HIV replicative cycle. One among the three designed multiple ligands, reached this goal. Indeed, compound 1 inhibited both TMT and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Unexpectedly, while the anti-TMT activity exerted by compound 1 resulted into a selective inhibition of HIV-1 reactivation from latently infected OM10.1 cells, the anti-RT properties shown by all of the synthesized compounds did not translate into an anti-HIV activity in acutely infected cells. Thus, we have herein produced the proof of concept that the design of dual TMT-RT inhibitors is indeed possible, but optimization efforts are needed to obtain more potent derivatives.

Copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination of heteroarenes and arenes by C-H zincation

Direct amination of heteroarenes and arenes has been achieved in a one-pot CH zincation/copper-catalyzed electrophilic amination procedure. This amination method provides an efficient and rapid approach to access a diverse range of heteroaromatic and aromatic amines including those previously inaccessible using CH amination methods. The mild reaction conditions and good functional-group compatibility demonstrate its great potential for the synthesis of important and complex amines.

Vibrational spectroscopic and computational study of 1,7,8,9-Tetrachloro-4-(4-bromo-butyl)-10,10-dimethoxy-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)] dec-8-ene-3,5-dione

The optimized molecular structure, vibrational frequencies, corresponding vibrational assignments of 1,7,8,9-Tetrachloro-4-(4-bromo-butyl)-10,10-dimethoxy-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0(2,6)] dec-8-ene-3,5-dione (TDAD) have been investigated experimentally and theoretically using Gaussian09 software package. Potential energy distribution of normal modes of vibrations was done using GAR2PED program. Gauge-including atomic orbital (1)H NMR chemical shifts calculations were carried out and compared with experimental data. The HOMO and LUMO analysis is used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. Molecular Electrostatic Potential was performed by the DFT method and infrared intensities and Raman activities are also reported. Mulliken's net charges have been calculated and compared with the atomic natural charges. First hyperpolarizability is calculated in order to find its role in non-liner optics. The calculated geometrical parameters are in agreement with that of similar derivatives.

Modulation of HIV-1-induced activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells by 6-desfluoroquinolones

Chronic activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is an important contributor to the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection. The quinolone derivative chloroquine (CQ) prevents endosomal acidification, required for toll-like receptor sensing of HIV by pDCs, and is currently under clinical trial as an immunotherapeutic approach. We tested three different 6-desfluoroquinolones (6-DFQs), structurally related to CQ and endowed with antiretroviral activity, for their ability to inhibit HIV-induced pDC activation and interferon (IFN)-α production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. PBMCs from six healthy donors were cultured overnight with aldrithiol-2 (AT-2)-inactivated HIV-1MN in the presence or absence of 6-DFQs or CQ. IFN-α production was measured by ELISA; pDC and monocyte activation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Incubation with HIV labeled with the fluorescent dye DyLight-488 (DL488) was used to test virus uptake by flow cytometry. We found that the 6-DFQs effectively inhibited HIV-induced IFN-α similar to CQ, but only 6-DFQs also inhibited the upregulation of the pDC activation marker CD83. Interestingly, HIV-induced expression of the costimulatory molecule CD80 and, to a lesser extent CD86, was further enhanced on pDCs by 6-DFQs, but not CQ. Conversely, 6-DFQs and CQ had similar inhibitory effects on HIV-induced monocyte activation, consistent with the primary mechanism being associated with IFN-α signaling. Finally, 6-DFQs interfered with HIV interaction with pDCs and monocytes, but not myeloid DCs. Our data indicate that 6-DFQs may interfere with pDC-mediated and IFN-α-dependent immunopathogenesis while supporting pDC differentiation into mature antigen-presenting cells by favoring expression of costimulatory molecules.

An efficient sonochemical synthesis of novel Schiff's bases, thiazolidine, and pyrazolidine incorporating 1,8-naphthyridine moiety and their cytotoxic activity against HePG2 cell lines

Novel Schiff's bases 4a-e, 5a, 5b, and 6, thiazolidine 7a-d, and pyrazolidine 8 have been synthesized using the versatile synthon 4-hydroxy-2,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine 1. Reactions carried out under ultrasound irradiation showed higher rates and yields than those done under silent conditions. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for HepG2 cell growth inhibition. The results obtained revealed that the tested compounds possess inhibitory effect on the growth of HepG2 liver cancer cells. The results were compared to doxorubicin as a reference drug (IC50: 0.04). Compounds 4a and 7b showed the highest inhibition activity against the HepG2 cell line (IC50: 0.047 and 0.041 µM, resp.) among all the tested compounds.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles from carbodiimide and sodium hydrosulfide

Copper-catalyzed a coupling/addition tandem reaction for the synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles from o-haloarylcarboniimide and NaHS.

Synthesis of 1,8-Naphthyridine Derivatives under Ultrasound Irradiation and Cytotoxic Activity against HepG2 Cell Lines

Novel pyrazole derivatives3a,b,5, 1,3,4-oxadiazole6, 1,3,4-thiadiazole8, and 1,2,4-triazole9a–cincorporated into 1,8-naphthyridine have been synthesized using the versatile synthon 2-(2,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridin-4-yloxy) acetohydrazide1. An improvement in rates and yields was observed when the reactions were carried out under ultrasonic irradiation compared with the classical synthesis. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for HepG2 cell growth inhibition. The results obtained revealed that the tested compounds possess inhibitory effect on the growth of HepG2 liver cancer cells. The results were compared to doxorubicin (DOX) as a reference drug (IC50 : 0.04 μM). Compounds9bshowed the highest inhibition activity against HepG2 cell line (IC50 : 0.048 μM) among all tested compounds.

A novel method for the synthesis of benzothiazole heterocycles catalyzed by a copper–DiAmSar complex loaded on SBA-15 in aqueous media

Cu(ii)–DiAmSar/SBA-15 was prepared and used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of benzothiazole heterocycles in aqueous media.

Ru/C: a simple heterogeneous catalyst for the amination of azoles under ligand free conditions

A ligand free Ru/C-catalyzed amination of 2-halo azoles with a broad scope of aminating reagents has been developed. Utilizing this protocol a variety of 2-aminoazole derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields. The methodology is operationally simple and it provides potentially useful products by using an inexpensive recyclable catalytic system.

HIV-1 transcription and latency: an update

Combination antiretroviral therapy, despite being potent and life-prolonging, is not curative and does not eradicate HIV-1 infection since interruption of treatment inevitably results in a rapid rebound of viremia. Reactivation of latently infected cells harboring transcriptionally silent but replication-competent proviruses is a potential source of persistent residual viremia in cART-treated patients. Although multiple reservoirs may exist, the persistence of resting CD4+ T cells carrying a latent infection represents a major barrier to eradication. In this review, we will discuss the latest reports on the molecular mechanisms that may regulate HIV-1 latency at the transcriptional level, including transcriptional interference, the role of cellular factors, chromatin organization and epigenetic modifications, the viral Tat trans-activator and its cellular cofactors. Since latency mechanisms may also operate at the post-transcriptional level, we will consider inhibition of nuclear RNA export and inhibition of translation by microRNAs as potential barriers to HIV-1 gene expression. Finally, we will review the therapeutic approaches and clinical studies aimed at achieving either a sterilizing cure or a functional cure of HIV-1 infection, with a special emphasis on the most recent pharmacological strategies to reactivate the latent viruses and decrease the pool of viral reservoirs.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of WC5 analogues as inhibitors of human cytomegalovirus Immediate-Early 2 protein, a promising target for anti-HCMV treatment

Although human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is mostly asymptomatic for immunocompetent individuals, it remains a serious threat for those who are immunocompromised, in whom it is associated with various clinical manifestations. The therapeutic utility of the few available anti-HCMV drugs is limited by several drawbacks, including cross-resistance due to their common mechanism of action, i.e., inhibition of viral DNA polymerase. Therefore, compounds that target other essential viral events could overcome this problem. One example of this is the 6-aminoquinolone WC5, which acts by directly blocking the transactivation of essential viral Early genes by the Immediate-Early 2 (IE2) protein. In this study, the quinolone scaffold of the lead compound WC5 was investigated in depth, defining more suitable substituents for each of the scaffold positions explored and identifying novel, potent and nontoxic compounds. Some compounds showed potent anti-HCMV activity by interfering with IE2-dependent viral E gene expression. Among them, naphthyridone 1 was also endowed with potent anti-HIV activity in latently infected cells. Their antiviral profile along with their innovative mechanism of action make these anti-HCMV quinolones a very promising class of compounds to be exploited for more effective antiviral therapeutic treatment.

Metal-free synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles via aerobic oxidative cyclization/dehydrogenation of cyclohexanones and thioureas

A metal-free process for the synthesis of 2-aminobenzothiazoles from cyclohexanones and thioureas has been developed using catalytic iodine and molecular oxygen as the oxidant under mild conditions. Various 2-aminobenzothiazoles, 2-aminonaphtho[2,1-d]thiazoles, and 2-aminonaphtho[1,2-d]thiazoles were prepared via this method in satisfactory yields.

Strategies to Block HIV Transcription: Focus on Small Molecule Tat Inhibitors

After entry into the target cell, the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV) integrates into the host genome and becomes a proviral eukaryotic transcriptional unit. Transcriptional regulation of provirus gene expression is critical for HIV replication. Basal transcription from the integrated HIV promoter is very low in the absence of the HIV transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein and is solely dependent on cellular transcription factors. The 5' terminal region (+1 to +59) of all HIV mRNAs forms an identical stem-bulge-loop structure called the Transactivation Responsive (TAR) element. Once Tat is made, it binds to TAR and drastically activates transcription from the HIV LTR promoter. Mutations in either the Tat protein or TAR sequence usually affect HIV replication, indicating a strong requirement for their conservation. The necessity of the Tat-mediated transactivation cascade for robust HIV replication renders Tat one of the most desirable targets for transcriptional therapy against HIV replication. Screening based on inhibition of the Tat-TAR interaction has identified a number of potential compounds, but none of them are currently used as therapeutics, partly because these agents are not easily delivered for an efficient therapy, emphasizing the need for small molecule compounds. Here we will give an overview of the different strategies used to inhibit HIV transcription and review the current repertoire of small molecular weight compounds that target HIV transcription.

Triazolbenzo[d]thiazoles: efficient synthesis and biological evaluation as neuroprotective agents

A number of (1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)benzo[d]thiazoles were synthesized utilizing a versatile Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne click reaction (CuAAC) on tautomeric benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2-d]tetrazole (1) and 2-azidobenzo[d]thiazole (2) starting materials. Moreover, one of the resulting products of this investigation, triazolbenzo[d]thiazole 22, was found to possess significant neuroprotective activity in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells.

Small molecules targeted to a non-catalytic "RVxF" binding site of protein phosphatase-1 inhibit HIV-1

HIV-1 Tat protein recruits host cell factors including CDK9/cyclin T1 to HIV-1 TAR RNA and thereby induces HIV-1 transcription. An interaction with host Ser/Thr protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) is critical for this function of Tat. PP1 binds to a Tat sequence, Q³⁵VCF³⁸, which resembles the PP1-binding “RVxF” motif present on PP1-binding regulatory subunits. We showed that expression of PP1 binding peptide, a central domain of Nuclear Inhibitor of PP1, disrupted the interaction of HIV-1 Tat with PP1 and inhibited HIV-1 transcription and replication. Here, we report small molecule compounds that target the “RVxF”-binding cavity of PP1 to disrupt the interaction of PP1 with Tat and inhibit HIV-1 replication. Using the crystal structure of PP1, we virtually screened 300,000 compounds and identified 262 small molecules that were predicted to bind the “RVxF”-accommodating cavity of PP1. These compounds were then assayed for inhibition of HIV-1 transcription in CEM T cells. One of the compounds, 1H4, inhibited HIV-1 transcription and replication at non-cytotoxic concentrations. 1H4 prevented PP1-mediated dephosphorylation of a substrate peptide containing an RVxF sequence in vitro. 1H4 also disrupted the association of PP1 with Tat in cultured cells without having an effect on the interaction of PP1 with the cellular regulators, NIPP1 and PNUTS, or on the cellular proteome. Finally, 1H4 prevented the translocation of PP1 to the nucleus. Taken together, our study shows that HIV- inhibition can be achieved through using small molecules to target a non-catalytic site of PP1. This proof-of-principle study can serve as a starting point for the development of novel antiviral drugs that target the interface of HIV-1 viral proteins with their host partners.

Transcriptional control of HIV replication by multiple modulators and their implication for a novel antiviral therapy

Transcriptional regulation is critical for the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) life cycle and is the only step at which the virus amplifies the content of its genetic information. Numerous known and still unknown transcriptional factors, both host and viral, regulate HIV-1 gene expression and latency. This article is a comprehensive review of transcription factors involved in HIV-1 gene expression and presents the significant implications of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and the HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein. We include recent findings on chromatin remodeling toward HIV transcription and its therapeutic implication is also discussed. The current status of small-molecular-weight compounds that affect HIV transcription is also described.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New 3-Phenyl-1-[(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)alkyl]-piperidine-2,6-diones

A set of 13 alkyl derivatives of 3-phenylpiperidine-2,6-dione were synthesized. Newly obtained compounds were investigated in vitro against HIV-1 and other selected viruses. The benzyl 3f and fluorophenyl 3g derivatives showed moderate protection against CVB-2 and the compound 3g also against HSV-1. Derivatives were tested also for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The molecular structures of 3a and 3d were determined by an X-ray analysis.

6-desfluoroquinolones as HIV-1 Tat-mediated transcription inhibitors

The current anti-HIV treatments fail to completely eradicate the virus in HIV-infected individuals, mainly as a result of a small pool of latently infected cells. This issue, together with the emergence of multidrug-resistant viruses, clearly highlights the need to find additional strategies. An overview of the Tat-mediated transcription inhibitors 6-desfluoroquinolones (6-DFQs), identified by our group, is given in this review along with a critical appraisal of their advantages and drawbacks. Attempts are also made to place them within the context of new potential anti-HIV therapeutics. Due to their innovative mechanism of action, the 6-DFQs could be interesting candidates for use in association with the currently used cocktail of drugs. Their potential as antivirals deserves further investigation.