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Ding T, Guseinov AA, Milligan G, Plouffe B, Tikhonova IG. Exploring an Intracellular Allosteric Site of CC-Chemokine Receptor 4 from 3D Models, Probe Simulations, and Mutagenesis. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:2516-2526. [PMID: 39144548 PMCID: PMC11320731 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00330] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
We applied our previously developed probe confined dynamic mapping protocol, which combines enhanced sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fragment-based approaches, to identify the binding site of GSK2239633A (N-[[3-[[3-[(5-chlorothiophen-2-yl)sulfonylamino]-4-methoxyindazol-1-yl]methyl]phenyl]methyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide), a selective CC-chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) negative allosteric modulator, using CCR4 homology and AlphaFold models. By comparing the performance across five computational models, we identified conserved (K3108.49 and Y3047.53) and non-conserved (M2436.36) residue hotspots for GSK2239633A binding, which were validated by mutagenesis and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay. Further analysis of 3D models and MD simulations highlighted the pair of residues 6.36 and 7.56 that might account for antagonist selectivity among chemokine receptors. Our in silico protocol provides a promising approach for characterizing ligand binding sites in membrane proteins, considering receptor dynamics and adaptability and guiding protein template selection for ligand design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Ding
- School
of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast Bt9 7BL, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Abdul-Akim Guseinov
- School
of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast Bt9 7BL, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Graeme Milligan
- Centre
for Translational Pharmacology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College
of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G12 8QQ, U.K.
| | - Bianca Plouffe
- Wellcome-Wolfson
Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry
and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s
University Belfast, Belfast Bt9 7BL, Northern Ireland, U.K.
| | - Irina G. Tikhonova
- School
of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast Bt9 7BL, Northern Ireland, U.K.
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Xiu Y, Zhang Y, Yang S, Shi L, Xing D, Wang C. Design, synthesis, and bioevaluation of diarylpyrimidine derivatives as novel microtubule destabilizers. Front Chem 2024; 12:1447831. [PMID: 39119517 PMCID: PMC11306069 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2024.1447831] [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: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, a series of new diarylpyrimidine derivatives as microtubule destabilizers were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for anticancer activities. Based on restriction configuration strategy, we introduced the pyrimidine moiety containing the hydrogen-bond acceptors as cis-olefin bond of CA-4 analogs to improve structural stability. Compounds 11a-t exerted antiproliferative activities against three human cancer cell lines (SGC-7901, HeLa, and MCF-7), due to tubulin polymerization inhibition, showing high selectivity toward cancer cells in comparison with non-tumoral HSF cells, as evidenced by MTT assays. In mechanistic investigations, compound 11s remarkably inhibited tubulin polymerization and disorganized microtubule in SGC-7901 cells by binding to tubulin. Moreover, 11s caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in SGC-7901 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, molecular modeling analysis revealed that 11s interacts with tubulin through binding to the colchicine site. In addition, the prediction of physicochemical properties disclosed that 11s conformed well to the Lipinski's rule of five. This work offered a fresh viewpoint for the discovery of new tubulin-targeting anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Xiu
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shanbo Yang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Lingyu Shi
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Dongming Xing
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Cancer Institute, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Zengarini C, Guglielmo A, Mussi M, Motta G, Agostinelli C, Sabattini E, Piraccini BM, Pileri A. A Narrative Review of the State of the Art of CCR4-Based Therapies in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: Focus on Mogamulizumab and Future Treatments. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:32. [PMID: 38804300 PMCID: PMC11130839 DOI: 10.3390/antib13020032] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The CCR4 receptor is a pivotal target in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) therapy due to its role in impairing immune responses against malignant T-cells and expression profiles. Monoclonal antibodies like mogamulizumab effectively bind to CCR4, reducing tumour burden and enhancing patient outcomes by inhibiting the receptor's interaction with ligands, thereby hindering malignant T-cell migration and survival. Combining CCR4 antibodies with chemotherapy, radiation, and other drugs is being explored for synergistic effects. Additionally, small-molecular inhibitors, old pharmacological agents interacting with CCR4, and CAR-T therapies are under investigation. Challenges include drug resistance, off-target effects, and patient selection, addressed through ongoing trials refining protocols and identifying biomarkers. Despite advancements, real-life data for most of the emerging treatments are needed to temper expectations. In conclusion, CCR4-targeted therapies show promise for CTCL management, but challenges persist. Continued research aims to optimise treatments, enhance outcomes, and transform CTCL management. This review aims to elucidate the biological rationale and the several agents under various stages of development and clinical evaluation with the actual known data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Zengarini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alba Guglielmo
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Institute of Dermatology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Martina Mussi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Motta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Division of Haematopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Agostinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Division of Haematopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Sabattini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Division of Haematopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Piraccini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pileri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (C.Z.)
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Beck TC, Beck KR, Holloway CB, Hemings RA, Dix TA, Norris RA. The C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Is an Immunomodulatory Target of Hydroxychloroquine. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1253. [PMID: 32973504 PMCID: PMC7482581 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) in China, reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019, has led to a large global pandemic and is a major public health issue. As a result, there are more than 200 clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments or vaccines that are either ongoing or recruiting patients. One potential therapy that has garnered international attention is hydroxychloroquine; a potent immunomodulatory agent FDA-approved for the treatment of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated promise in vitro and is currently under investigation in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19. Despite an abundance of empirical data, the mechanism(s) involved in the immunomodulatory activity of hydroxychloroquine have not been characterized. Using the unbiased chemical similarity ensemble approach (SEA), we identified C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) as an immunomodulatory target of hydroxychloroquine. The crystal structure of CCR4 was selected for molecular docking studies using the SwissDock modeling software. In silico, hydroxychloroquine interacts with Thr-189 within the CCR4 active site, presumably blocking endogenous ligand binding. However, the CCR4 antagonists compound 18a and K777 outperformed hydroxychloroquine in silico, demonstrating energetically favorable binding characteristics. Hydroxychloroquine may subject COVID-19 patients to QT-prolongation, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The FDA-approved CCR4 antagonist mogalizumab is not known to increase the risk of QT prolongation and may serve as a viable alternative to hydroxychloroquine. Results from this report introduce additional FDA-approved drugs that warrant investigation for therapeutic use in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C. Beck
- Dix Laboratory, Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,Norris Laboratory, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Tyler C. Beck, ; Russell A. Norris,
| | - Kyle R. Beck
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Calvin B. Holloway
- Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Richard A. Hemings
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Thomas A. Dix
- Dix Laboratory, Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Russell A. Norris
- Norris Laboratory, Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States,*Correspondence: Tyler C. Beck, ; Russell A. Norris,
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Miah AH, Champigny AC, Graves RH, Hodgson ST, Percy JM, Procopiou PA. Identification of pyrazolopyrimidine arylsulfonamides as CC-chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:5327-5340. [PMID: 28801066 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A novel 4-aminoindazole sulfonamide hit (13) was identified as a human CCR4 antagonists from testing a focussed library of compounds in the primary GTPγS assay. Replacing the indazole core with a pyrazolopyrimidine, and introduction of a methoxy group adjacent to the sulfonamide substituent, resulted in the identification of pyrazolopyrimidine 37a, which exhibited good binding affinity in the GTPγS assay (pIC50=7.2), low lipophilicity (clogP=2.2, chromlogD7.4=2.4), high LE (0.41), high solubility (CLND solubility ≥581µM), and an excellent PK profile in both the rat (F=62%) and the dog (F=100%). Further SAR investigation of the pyrazolopyrimidine suggested that substitution at N1 is tolerated, providing a suitable vector to modulate the properties, and increase the potency in a lead optimisation campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afjal H Miah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom.
| | - Aurelie C Champigny
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca H Graves
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon T Hodgson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Percy
- WestCHEM Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - Panayiotis A Procopiou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory TAU, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
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