Novel p-arylthio cinnamides as antagonists of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1/intracellular adhesion molecule-1 interaction. 2. Mechanism of inhibition and structure-based improvement of pharmaceutical properties

Targeting leukocyte integrins in human diseases

As our understanding of integrins as multifunctional adhesion and signaling molecules has grown, so has their recognition as potential therapeutic targets in human diseases. Leukocyte integrins are of particular interest in this regard, as they are key molecules in immune-mediated and inflammatory processes and are thus critically involved in diverse clinical disorders, ranging from asthma to atherosclerosis. Antagonists that interfere with integrin-dependent leukocyte trafficking and/or post-trafficking events have shown efficacy in multiple preclinical models, but these have not always predicted success in subsequent clinical trials (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion disorders and transplantation). However, recent successes of integrin antagonists in psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis demonstrate the tremendous potential of antiadhesion therapy directed at leukocyte integrins. This article will review the role of the leukocyte integrins in the inflammatory process, approaches to targeting leukocyte integrins and their ligands, and the results of completed clinical trials.

Statin compounds reduce human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by preventing the interaction between virion-associated host intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and its natural cell surface ligand LFA-1

A variety of host factors, including membrane proteins acquired by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), play a dominant role in HIV-1 adsorption onto host cells. Examples include the integrin intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), which, once acquired by HIV-1, promotes virus infectivity via ligation to LFA-1. We tested the ability of statins to diminish HIV-1 replication, based on the idea that these compounds have been shown to block ICAM-1-LFA-1 interactions. Our data indicate that statins diminish HIV-1 attachment to target cells by suppressing ICAM-1-LFA-1 interactions. The capacity of statins to limit the initial steps in virus replication could represent an interesting approach for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

Mechanism of binding and internalization of ICAM-1-derived cyclic peptides by LFA-1 on the surface of T cells: a potential method for targeted drug delivery

PURPOSE

Peptides derived from the Domain 1 of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1(1-21) are being developed as targeting ligands for LFA-1 receptors expressed on activated T cells. This work aims to elucidate the binding and internalization of ICAM-1-derived cyclic peptides (cIBL, cIBC, and cIBR) to LFA-1.

METHODS

Ninety-six-well plates coated with soluble LFA-1 (sLFA-1) were used to characterize the binding of FITC-labeled peptide. An anti-CD11a antibody to the I-domain of LFA-1 was used to inhibit the binding of these peptides, which was quantified using a fluorescence plate reader. An unrelated FITC-labeled cyclic peptide was used as a negative control, and PE-labeled anti-CD11a antibodies (PE-R3.2 and PE-R7.1) were used as positive controls. Peptide binding to cell surface LFA-1 was visualized using colocalization of FITC-cIBR peptide and PE-labeled anti-CD18 antibody (LFA-1 beta-subunit) on SKW-3 T cells by fluorescent microscopy. Inhibition of ICAM-1 binding to LFA-1 by peptides was evaluated using a Biacore assay. Binding and internalization of FITC-labeled peptides were evaluated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C.

RESULTS

These FITC-labeled cyclic peptides bind to sLFA-1 and can be blocked by an anti-CD11a antibody to the I-domain, suggesting that their binding site is on the I-domain of LFA-1. The FITC-cIBR peptide was localized with an anti-CD18 antibody on the surface of T cells, indicating that the FITC-cIBR peptide binds to LFA-1 on the cell surface. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy demonstrated that FITC-labeled peptides were internalized in a temperature-dependent manner. Biacore analysis demonstrated that these peptides did not inhibit sICAM-1 from binding to immobilized sLFA-1. However, the binding properties of the soluble forms of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 may not correlate to their interaction at the cell surface.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclic ICAM-1-derived peptides (cIBL, cIBC, and cIBR) bind to the I-domain of LFA-1 and are internalized by LFA-1 receptors on the surface of T cells. Therefore, these peptides could be used to target and deliver drugs to the cytoplasmic domain of T cells.

Rolling adhesion through an extended conformation of integrin alphaLbeta2 and relation to alpha I and beta I-like domain interaction

In vivo, beta(2) integrins and particularly alpha(L)beta(2) (LFA-1) robustly support firm adhesion of leukocytes, but can also cooperate with other molecules in supporting rolling adhesion. Strikingly, a small molecule alpha/beta I-like allosteric antagonist, XVA143, inhibits LFA-1-dependent firm adhesion, while at the same time it enhances adhesion in shear flow and rolling both in vitro and in vivo. XVA143 appears to induce the extended conformation of integrins as shown by increased activation epitope exposure. Fab to the beta(2) I-like domain converts firm adhesion to rolling adhesion, but does not enhance adhesion. Residue alpha(L)-Glu-310 in the linker following the I domain is critical for communication to the beta(2) I-like domain, rolling, integrin extension, and activation by Mn(2+) of firm adhesion. The results demonstrate the importance of integrin extension in rolling, and suggest that rolling and firm adhesion are mediated by extended conformations of alpha(L)beta(2) that differ in the affinity of the alpha(L) I domain for ICAM-1.

Development of cell adhesion molecule antagonists as therapeutics for asthma and COPD

Airway inflammation is a hallmark of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cell adhesion molecules play critical roles in the recruitment and migration of cells to sites of inflammation. Not surprisingly, these receptors have garnered the attention of the pharmaceutical industry as targets for the development of drugs to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Although several potential cell adhesion targets exist, development of compounds for pulmonary indications has centered around the selectins and the integrin VLA-4. In vitro and in vivo studies have implicated these receptors in the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lung as well as to key cellular activation pathways. Several first generation compounds are currently in clinical development for asthma. Positive data from a phase II clinical trial using an inhaled formulation of a selectin antagonist has recently been reported. Initial results from clinical trials using first generation VLA-4 antagonists have been less promising but additional trials with more fully optimized compounds are underway. Results from these trials will provide insight into what the future holds for this exciting new class of drugs to treat pulmonary diseases.

Small molecule integrin antagonists that bind to the beta2 subunit I-like domain and activate signals in one direction and block them in the other

Leukocyte integrins contain an inserted (I) domain in their alpha subunits and an I-like domain in their beta(2) subunit, which directly bind ligand and regulate ligand binding, respectively. We describe a novel mechanistic class of integrin inhibitors that bind to the metal ion-dependent adhesion site of the beta(2) I-like domain and prevent its interaction with and activation of the alpha(L) I domain. The inhibitors do not bind to the alpha(L) I domain but stabilize alpha/beta subunit association and can show selectivity for alpha(L)beta(2) compared to alpha(M)beta(2). The inhibitors reveal a crucial intersection for relaying conformational signals within integrin extracellular domains. While blocking signals in one direction to the I domain, the antagonists induce the active conformation of the I-like domain and stalk domains, and thus transmit conformational signals in the other direction toward the transmembrane domains.

Therapeutic antagonists and conformational regulation of integrin function

Integrins are a structurally elaborate family of adhesion molecules that transmit signals bi-directionally across the plasma membrane by undergoing large-scale structural rearrangements. By regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts, integrins participate in a wide range of biological processes, including development, tissue repair, angiogenesis, inflammation and haemostasis. From a therapeutic standpoint, integrins are probably the most important class of cell-adhesion receptors. Recent progress in the development of integrin antagonists has resulted in their clinical application and has shed new light on integrin biology. On the basis of their mechanism of action, small-molecule integrin antagonists fall into three different classes. Each of these classes affect the equilibria that relate integrin conformational states, but in different ways.

Solution structure of a peptide derived from the beta subunit of LFA-1

Cell-adhesion molecules are critical for immune response. It is well known that the inhibition of adhesion is very effective in immunotherapy and that the peptides derived from leukocyte function associated antigen (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) modulate cell-adhesion interaction. The three-dimensional structure of a cyclic peptide, Cyclo(1,12)Pen(1)-Asp(2)-Leu(3)-Ser(4)-Tyr(5)-Ser(6)-Leu(7)-Asp(8)-Asp(9)-Leu(10)-Arg(11)-Cys(12) (cLBEL) derived from the beta subunit of LFA-1 which is known to modulate homotypic T-cell-adhesion process has been studied using NMR, CD and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The peptide exhibits two possible conformations in solution. Structure I has a conformation with two consecutive beta-turns involving residues Tyr(5)-Ser(6)-Leu(7)-Asp(8) and Asp(9)-Leu(10)-Arg(11)-Cys(12). Structure II has a beta-turn at Tyr(5)-Ser(6)-Leu(7)-Asp(8) and forms a beta-hairpin type of conformation.

QSAR study on some p-arylthio cinnamides as antagonists of biochemical ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction and ICAM-1/JY-8 cell adhesion in relation to anti-inflammatory activity

In an attempt to find out the chemical and structural features of some p-arylthio cinnamides 1 as antagonists of biochemical ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction as well as ICAM-1/JY-8 cell adhesion in relation to anti-inflammatory activity, QSAR study was performed. Steric effect on the arylthio ring and lipophilic substitutions at 2,3-positions, especially 2,3-disubstitution with Cl or CF(3) or both on cinnamides 1 were conducive to the activity, whereas simultaneous presence of methoxy group at arylthio ring and NCOCH(3) group at heterocyclic ring of cinnamides 1 were detrimental to activity in antagonism of biochemical ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction. When inhibition of ICAM-1/JY-8 cell adhesion was considered, lipophilic substitution on ring B and simultaneous presence of CF(3) groups at 2 and 3 positions of the ring B were advantageous to antagonism. This QSAR study showed that B ring has played the most important role for both types of activities.

A peptide derived from LFA-1 protein that modulates T-cell adhesion binds to soluble ICAM-1 protein

Leukocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) have been shown to be critical for adhesion process and immune response. Modulation or inhibition of the interaction between LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions can result in therapeutic effects. Our group and others have shown that peptides derived from ICAM-1 or LFA-1 inhibit adhesion in a homotypic T-cell adhesion assay. It is likely that the peptides derived from ICAM-1 bind to LFA-1 and peptides derived from LFA-1 bind to ICAM-1 and inhibit the adhesion interaction. However, there are no concrete experimental evidence to show that peptides bind to either LFA-1 or ICAM-1 and inhibit the adhesion. Using NMR, CD and docking studies we have shown that an LFA-1 derived peptide binds to soluble ICAM-1. Docking studies using "autodock" resulted in LFA-1 peptide interacting with the ICAM-1 protein near Glu34. The proposed model based on our experimental data indicated that the LFA-1 peptide interacts with the protein via three intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Hydrophobic interactions also play a role in stabilizing the complex.

Targeting ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction for controlling autoimmune diseases: designing peptide and small molecule inhibitors

This review describes the role of modulation of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)/leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) interaction in controlling autoimmune diseases or inducing immunotolerance. ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction is essential for T-cell activation as well as for migration of T-cells to target tissues. This interaction also functions, along with Signal-1, as a co-stimulatory signal (Signal-2) for T-cell activation, which is delivered by the T-cell receptors (TCR)-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complex. Therefore, blocking ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction can suppress T-cell activation in autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation. Many types of inhibitors (i.e. antibodies, peptides, small molecules) have been developed to block ICAM-1/LFA-1 interactions, and some of these molecules have reached clinical trials. Peptides derived from ICAM-1 and LFA-1 sequences have been shown to inhibit T-cell adhesion and activation. In addition, these inhibitors have been useful in elucidating the mechanism of ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction. Besides binding to LFA-1, the ICAM-1 peptide can be internalized by LFA-1 receptors into the cytoplasmic domain of T-cells. Therefore, this ICAM-1 peptide can be utilized to selectively target toxic drugs to T-cells, thus avoiding harmful side effects. Finally, bi-functional inhibitory peptide (BPI), which is made by conjugating the antigenic peptide and an LFA-1 peptide, can alter the T-cell commitment from T-helper-1 (Th1) to T-helper-2 (Th2)-like cells, suggesting that this peptide may have a role in blocking the formation of the "immunological synapse."

Small molecule antagonists of proteins

The identification of small molecule antagonists of protein function is at the core of the pharmaceutical industry. Successful approaches to this problem, including screening and rational design, have been developed over the years to identify antagonists of enzymes and cellular receptors. These methods have been extended to the search for inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. While the very possibility of designing a small molecule inhibitor for such interactions was once doubted, there are examples of such inhibitors that are currently marketed products and many more inhibitors in various stages of research and development. Here we review the progress in identifying and designing small molecule protein inhibitors, with particular attention to those that block protein-protein interactions. We also discuss the physical character of protein-protein interfaces, and the resulting implications for small molecule lead discovery and design.

Stabilizing the integrin alpha M inserted domain in alternative conformations with a range of engineered disulfide bonds

Conformational movement of the C-terminal alpha7 helix in the integrin inserted (I) domain, a major ligand-binding domain that adopts an alpha/beta Rossmann fold, has been proposed to allosterically regulate ligand-binding activity. Disulfide bonds were engineered here to reversibly lock the position of the alpha7 helix in one of two alternative conformations seen in crystal structures, termed open and closed. Our results show that pairs of residues with Cbeta atoms farther apart than optimal for disulfide bond stereochemistry can be successfully replaced by cysteine, suggesting that backbone movement accommodates disulfide formation. We also find more success with substituting partially exposed than buried residues. Disulfides stabilizing the open conformation resulted in constitutively active alphaMbeta2 heterodimers and isolated alphaM inserted domains, which were reverted to an inactive form by dithiothreitol reduction. By contrast, a disulfide stabilizing the closed conformation resulted in inactive alphaMbeta2 that was resistant to activation but became activatable after dithiothreitol treatment.

Integrin activation and structural rearrangement

Among adhesion receptor families, integrins are particularly important in biological processes that require rapid modulation of adhesion and de-adhesion. Activation on a timescale of < 1 s of beta2 integrins on leukocytes and beta3 integrins on platelets enables deposition of these cells at sites of inflammation or vessel wall injury. Recent crystal, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electron microscope (EM) structures of integrins and their domains lead to a unifying mechanism of activation for both integrins that contain and those that lack an inserted (I) domain. The I domain adopts two alternative conformations, termed open and closed. In striking similarity to signaling G-proteins, rearrangement of a Mg2+-binding site is linked to large conformational movements in distant backbone regions. Mutations that stabilize a particular conformation show that the open conformation has high affinity for ligand, whereas the closed conformation has low affinity. Movement of the C-terminal alpha-helix 10 A down the side of the domain in the open conformation is sufficient to increase affinity at the distal ligand-binding site 9,000-fold. This C-terminal "bell-rope" provides a mechanism for linkage to conformational movements in other domains. Recent structures and functional studies reveal interactions between beta-propeller, I, and I-like domains in the integrin headpiece, and a critical role for integrin epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains in the stalk region. The headpiece of the integrin faces down towards the membrane in the inactive conformation, and extends upward in a "switchblade"-like opening upon activation. These long-range structural rearrangements of the entire integrin molecule involving interdomain contacts appear closely linked to conformational changes within the I and I-like domains, which result in increased affinity and competence for ligand binding.

Conformational regulation of integrin structure and function

Integrins are a structurally elaborate family of heterodimers that mediate divalent cation-dependent cell adhesion in a wide range of biological contexts. The inserted (I) domain binds ligand in the subset of integrins in which it is present. Its structure has been determined in two alternative conformations, termed open and closed. In striking similarity to signaling G proteins, rearrangement of a Mg(2+)-binding site is linked to large conformational movements in distant backbone regions. Mutations have been used to stabilize either the closed or open structures. These show that the snapshots of the open conformation seen only in the presence of a ligand or a ligand mimetic represent a high-affinity, ligand-binding conformation, whereas those of the closed conformation correspond to a low-affinity conformation. The C-terminal alpha-helix moves 10 A down the side of the domain in the open conformation. Locking in the conformation of the preceding loop is sufficient to increase affinity for ligand 9000-fold. This C-terminal "bell-rope" provides a mechanism for linkage to conformational movements in other domains. The transition from the closed to open conformation has been implicated in fast (<1 s) regulation of integrin affinity in response to activation signals from inside the cell. Recent integrin structures and functional studies reveal interactions between beta-propeller, I, and I-like domains in the headpiece, and a critical role for integrin EGF domains in the stalk region. These studies suggest that the headpiece of the integrin faces down toward the membrane in the inactive conformation and extends upward in a "switchblade"-like opening motion upon activation. These long-range structural rearrangements of the entire integrin molecule involving multiple interdomain contacts appear closely linked to conformational changes in the I domain, which result in increased affinity and competence for ligand binding.

Activation-induced conformational changes in the I domain region of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1

Conformational changes in integrins are important for efficient ligand binding during activation. We proposed that the I domain of the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) could exist in both open and closed conformations and generated constitutively activated LFA-1 by locking the I domain in the open conformation. Here we provide structural and biochemical evidence to validate conformational change in the I domain of LFA-1 upon activation. Two monoclonal antibodies to alpha(L), HI111 and CBR LFA-1/1, bind wild-type LFA-1 well, but their binding is significantly reduced when LFA-1 is locked in the open conformation. Furthermore, this reduction in monoclonal antibody binding also occurs when LFA-1 is activated by divalent cations. HI111 maps to the top region of the I domain that is close to the putative ligand-binding site surrounding the MIDAS (metal ion-dependent adhesion site). The epitope of CBR LFA-1/1 is at the C-terminal segment of the I domain that links to the beta-propeller, and undergoes a large movement between the open and closed conformations. Our data demonstrate that these two regions undergo significant conformational changes during LFA-1 activation and that the I domain of activated LFA-1 adopts a similar tertiary structure as the predicted locked open form.

Small molecule inhibitors induce conformational changes in the I domain and the I-like domain of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1. Molecular insights into integrin inhibition

The beta(2) integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) is a conformationally flexible alpha/beta heterodimeric receptor, which is expressed on the surface of all leukocytes. LFA-1 mediates cell adhesion crucial for normal immune and inflammatory responses. Intracellular signals or cations are required to convert LFA-1 from a nonligand binding to a ligand binding state. Here we investigated the effect of small molecule inhibitors on LFA-1 by monitoring the binding of monoclonal antibodies mapped to different receptor domains. The inhibitors were found to not only induce epitope changes in the I domain of the alpha(L) chain but also in the I-like domain of the beta(2) chain depending on the individual chemical structure of the inhibitor and its binding site. For the first time, we provide strong evidence that the I-like domain represents a target for allosteric LFA-1 inhibition similar to the well established regulatory L-site on the I domain of LFA-1. Moreover, the antibody binding patterns observed in the presence of the various inhibitors establish a conformational interaction between the LFA-1 I domain and the I-like domain in the native receptor that is formed upon activation. Differentially targeting the binding sites of the inhibitors, the L-site and the I-like domain, may open new avenues for highly specific therapeutic intervention in diseases where integrins play a pathophysiological role.

Generation of an LFA-1 antagonist by the transfer of the ICAM-1 immunoregulatory epitope to a small molecule

The protein-protein interaction between leukocyte functional antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is critical to lymphocyte and immune system function. Here, we report on the transfer of the contiguous, nonlinear epitope of ICAM-1, responsible for its association with LFA-1, to a small-molecule framework. These LFA-1 antagonists bound LFA-1, blocked binding of ICAM-1, and inhibited a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with potency significantly greater than that of cyclosporine A. Furthermore, in comparison to an antibody to LFA-1, they exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. These results demonstrate the utility of small-molecule mimics of nonlinear protein epitopes and the protein epitopes themselves as leads in the identification of novel pharmaceutical agents.