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Ruengsatra T, Soponpong J, Nalinratana N, Jirapongwattana N, Dunkoksung W, Rattanangkool E, Deesiri S, Srisa J, Songthammanuphap S, Udomnilobol U, Prueksaritanont T. Design, synthesis, and optimization of novel PD-L1 inhibitors and the identification of a highly potent and orally bioavailable PD-L1 inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116730. [PMID: 39111015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116730] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we report the discovery of structurally novel and highly potent programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors targeting surface and intracellular PD-L1. A ring fusion design utilizing dimethoxyphenyl indazole derivatives was used, followed by structural extension, which further improved potency by inducing the formation of additional symmetrical interactions within the PD-L1 binding site, leading to the discovery of novel and highly active tetra-aryl-scaffold inhibitors. Key optimizations involved polar tail chain modifications that improve potency and minimize cell cytotoxicity. In addition, druggability issues that exist outside the rule-of-five chemical space were addressed. CB31, a representative compound, was found to exhibit outstanding activity in blocking programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 interactions (IC50 = 0.2 nM) and enhancing T-cell functions, with minimal cell cytotoxicity. CB31 also displayed favorable oral pharmacokinetic properties, consistent with its high passive permeability and insusceptibility to efflux transporters, as well as its high metabolic stability. Additionally, CB31 demonstrated mechanistically differentiated features from monoclonal antibodies by inducing PD-L1 internalization, intracellular retention of PD-L1 with altered glycosylation pattern, and PD-L1 degradation. It also demonstrated greater effects on tumor size reduction and tumor cell killing, with enhanced T-cell infiltration, in a 3D tumor spheroid model. Overall, results show that CB31 is a promising small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor that can inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and promote PD-L1 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanachote Ruengsatra
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jakapun Soponpong
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nonthaneth Nalinratana
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Niphat Jirapongwattana
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Dunkoksung
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Eakkaphon Rattanangkool
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirikan Deesiri
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jakkrit Srisa
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songkiat Songthammanuphap
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Udomsak Udomnilobol
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomayant Prueksaritanont
- Chulalongkorn University Drug Discovery and Drug Development Research Center (Chula4DR), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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2
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Zaber J, Skalniak L, Gudz GP, Hec-Gałązka A, Zarnik M, Tyrcha U, Stec M, Siedlar M, Holak TA, Sitar T, Muszak D. N-methylmorpholine incorporation into the structure of biphenyl leads to the bioactive inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129882. [PMID: 38996937 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129882] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
We present new small-molecular probes targeting the human PD-L1 protein. The molecules were designed by incorporating a newly discovered N-methylmorpholine substituent into a known biphenyl-based structure. Four prototype derivatives of 4-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazine-7-carbonitrile (STD4), comprising a morpholine substituent fused with a biphenyl core at different orientations were first verified for their potential binding to PD-L1 using the molecular docking method. A more favorable 7-phenyl derivative of STD4 was then equipped with an amide bond, pyridine, and either a tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or serinol tail leading to two final molecules. Among them, compound 1c showed activity in three bioassays, i.e., the homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) assay, and T-cell activation (TCA) assay. Our work shows that morpholine can substitute for dioxane and becomes a promising component in PD-L1-targeting molecules. This finding unlocks new avenues for optimizing PD-L1-targeting compounds, presenting exciting prospects for future developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zaber
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, prof. S. Lojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Lukasz Skalniak
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ganna P Gudz
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Hec-Gałązka
- Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, prof. S. Lojasiewicza 11, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Recepton Sp. z o.o., ul. Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Zarnik
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Tyrcha
- Recepton Sp. z o.o., ul. Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Stec
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Krakow, Poland
| | - Tad A Holak
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Recepton Sp. z o.o., ul. Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sitar
- Recepton Sp. z o.o., ul. Trzy Lipy 3, 80-172 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Damian Muszak
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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3
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Sharma N, Mazumder R, Rai P, Debnath A. Role of PD-1 in Skin Cancer: Molecular Mechanism, Clinical Applications, and Resistance. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 104:e14613. [PMID: 39231792 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14613] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Skin cancer is a widespread worldwide health concern, manifesting in many subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Although all these types occur frequently, they generally lack the possibility of being cured, emphasizing the importance of early discovery and treatment. This comprehensive study explores the role of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in skin cancer, focusing on its molecular mechanisms in immune regulation and its critical role in tumor immune evasion, while also clarifying the complexities of immune checkpoints in cancer pathogenesis. It critically evaluates the clinical applications of PD-1 inhibitors, spotlighting their therapeutic potential in treating skin cancer, while also addressing the significant challenge of resistance. This work further discusses the evolution of resistance mechanisms against PD-1 inhibitors and suggests potential approaches to mitigate these issues, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of these therapies. The study further highlights the current state of PD-1 targeted therapies and sets the stage for future research aimed at optimizing these treatments for better clinical outcomes in skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rupa Mazumder
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pallavi Rai
- Ram-Eesh Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhijit Debnath
- Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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4
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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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5
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Wu X, Li H, Liu H, Ding X, Chen X, Yin C, Gao Y, Ma J. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of 8-( o-Tolyl)quinazoline Derivatives as Small-Molecule PD-1/PD-L1 Antagonists. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:518-523. [PMID: 38628793 PMCID: PMC11017391 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00014] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors targeting programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) interactions can compensate for the shortcomings of antibody-based inhibitors and have attracted considerable attention, some of which have already entered clinical trials. Herein, based on our previous study on small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitors, we reported a series of 8-(o-tolyl)quinazoline derivatives by the skeleton merging strategy. Homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay against PD-1/PD-L1 interaction identified compound A5, which showed the most potent inhibition with an IC50 value of 23.78 nM. Meanwhile, based on the results of HTRF assay, the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the tail were focused on. Cell-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockade assay further revealed that A5 significantly blocked the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction at 1.1 μM in the co-culture system of Jurkat-NFAT-PD-1 cells and Hep3B-OS8-hPD-L1 cells with no significant cytotoxicity on Jurkat cells. Moreover, the proposed binding mode of A5 was investigated by a docking analysis. These results indicate that compound A5 is a promising lead compound that deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingye Wu
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - He Li
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Han Liu
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Xueyan Ding
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Xinting Chen
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Chenxi Yin
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
| | - Yali Gao
- Pharmacy
Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital
of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362002, China
| | - Junjie Ma
- School
of Medicine, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou, 362000, China
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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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Liu J, Cheng Y, Yuan L, Liu T, Ruan Y, Ren Y, Li L, Jiang S, Xiao Y, Chen J. Discovery and Crystallography Study of Novel Biphenyl Ether and Oxadiazole Thioether (Non-Arylmethylamine)-Based Small-Molecule PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors as Immunotherapeutic Agents. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13172-13188. [PMID: 37674362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Current small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are mainly based on the arylmethylamine/biphenyl core scaffold. Herein, we designed for the first time a series of non-arylmethylamine analogues (oxadiazole thioether derivatives) as small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Among them, compound LP23 exhibited the most potent PD-L1 inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 16.7 nM, 3.2-fold better than the lead BMS-202 (IC50 = 53.6 nM). The X-ray crystal structure of LP23 in complex with PD-L1 was solved at a resolution of 2.6 Å, which further confirmed the high binding affinity of LP23 to PD-L1. In the HepG2/Jurkat T cell co-culture model, LP23 effectively promoted HepG2 cell death by restoring the immune function of T cells. In addition, LP23 showed excellent in vivo antitumor efficacy (TGI = 88.6% at 30 mg/kg) and benign toxicity profiles in a B16-F10 tumor model by modulating PD-L1. In summary, LP23 represents the first non-arylmethylamine-based small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education and One Health Institute, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yong Ruan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yichang Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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8
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Cai S, Wang K, Qi Z, Ye K, Zhou X, Jiang S, Zhang K, Zhang X, Wang T. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of PD-1/PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors bearing a rigid indane scaffold. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115468. [PMID: 37207535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of small-molecule inhibitors against programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis provides a promising alternative to overcome the inevitable defects of PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Here, we report a series of indanes as novel small-molecule inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Thirty-one indanes were synthesized and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) demonstrated that conformational restriction with (S)-indane is superior in potency to inhibit the interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1. Compound D3 was found to be the most potent inhibitor with an IC50 value of 2.2 nM against PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Cell-based assay showed that D3 significantly induced immune activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against MDA-MB-231 cells and could restore the immune function of T cells by promoting secretion of the IFN-γ. The above results indicate that compound D3 is a promising PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor that deserves further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Cai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kaizhen Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ke Ye
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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9
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Regnault R, Klupsch F, El-Bouazzati H, Magnez R, Le Biannic R, Leleu-Chavain N, Ahouari H, Vezin H, Millet R, Goossens JF, Thuru X, Bailly C. Novel PD-L1-Targeted Phenyl-Pyrazolone Derivatives with Antioxidant Properties. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083491. [PMID: 37110727 PMCID: PMC10144346 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083491] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Orally-active anticancer small molecules targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint are actively searched. Phenyl-pyrazolone derivatives with a high affinity for PD-L1 have been designed and characterized. In addition, the phenyl-pyrazolone unit acts as a scavenger of oxygen free radicals, providing antioxidant effects. The mechanism is known for the drug edaravone (1) which is also an aldehyde-reactive molecule. The present study reports the synthesis and functional characterization of new molecules (2-5) with an improved anti-PD-L1 activity. The leading fluorinated molecule 5 emerges as a potent checkpoint inhibitor, avidly binding to PD-L1, inducing its dimerization, blocking PD-1/PD-L1 signaling mediated by phosphatase SHP-2 and reactivating the proliferation of CTLL-2 cells in the presence of PD-L1. In parallel, the compound maintains a significant antioxidant activity, characterized using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based free radical scavenging assays with the probes DPPH and DMPO. The aldehyde reactivity of the molecules was investigated using 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which is a major lipid peroxidation product. The formation of drug-HNE adducts, monitored by high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), was clearly identified and compared for each compound. The study leads to the selection of compound 5 and the dichlorophenyl-pyrazolone unit as a scaffold for the design of small molecule PD-L1 inhibitors endowed with antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Regnault
- ULR 7365-GRITA-Groupe de Recherche sur les formes Injectables et les Technologies Associées, CHU Lille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Frédérique Klupsch
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Hassiba El-Bouazzati
- UMR9020-UMR1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Romain Magnez
- UMR9020-UMR1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Raphaël Le Biannic
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Natascha Leleu-Chavain
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Hania Ahouari
- LASIRE Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Intéractions la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
- FR 2638-IMEC-Institut Michel-Eugène Chevreul, University Lille, F-59655 Lille, France
| | - Hervé Vezin
- LASIRE Laboratoire Avancé de Spectroscopie pour les Intéractions la Réactivité et l'Environnement, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Régis Millet
- U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, ICPAL, Inserm, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean-François Goossens
- ULR 7365-GRITA-Groupe de Recherche sur les formes Injectables et les Technologies Associées, CHU Lille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Xavier Thuru
- UMR9020-UMR1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- UMR9020-UMR1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, University Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Oncowitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Wasquehal, F-59290 Lille, France
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10
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PD-1/PD-L1 and DNA Damage Response in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040530. [PMID: 36831197 PMCID: PMC9954559 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of immunotherapy for cancer treatment is rapidly becoming more widespread. Immunotherapeutic agents are frequently combined with various types of treatments to obtain a more durable antitumor clinical response in patients who have developed resistance to monotherapy. Chemotherapeutic drugs that induce DNA damage and trigger DNA damage response (DDR) frequently induce an increase in the expression of the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) that can be employed by cancer cells to avoid immune surveillance. PD-L1 exposed on cancer cells can in turn be targeted to re-establish the immune-reactive tumor microenvironment, which ultimately increases the tumor's susceptibility to combined therapies. Here we review the recent advances in how the DDR regulates PD-L1 expression and point out the effect of etoposide, irinotecan, and platinum compounds on the anti-tumor immune response.
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11
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Approaching the Dimerization Mechanism of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting PD-L1 with Molecular Simulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021280. [PMID: 36674800 PMCID: PMC9866166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint demonstrate impressive anti-tumor immunity, and small molecule inhibitors disclosed by the Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) company have become a hot topic. In this work, by modifying the carbonyl group of BMS-202 into a hydroxyl group to achieve two enantiomers (MS and MR) with a chiral center, we found that this is an effective way to regulate its hydrophobicity and thus to reduce the negative effect of polar solvation free energy, which enhances the stability of PD-L1 dimer/inhibitor complexes. Moreover, we studied the binding modes of BMS-200 and BMS-202-related small molecule inhibitors by molecular dynamics simulation to explore their inhibitory mechanism targeting PD-L1 dimerization. The results showed that the size exclusion effect of the inhibitors triggered the rearrangement of the residue ATyr56, leading to the formation of an axisymmetric tunnel-shaped pocket, which is an important structural basis for improving the binding affinity of symmetric inhibitors with PD-L1. Furthermore, after inhibitor dissociation, the conformation of ATyr123 and BMet115 rearranged, which blocked the entrance of the binding pocket, while the reverse rearrangements of the same residues occurred when the PD-L1 monomer was complexed with the inhibitors, preparing PD-L1 for dimerization. Overall, this study casts a new light on the inhibitory mechanism of BMS inhibitors targeting PD-L1 dimerization and provides an idea for designing novel small molecule inhibitors for future cancer immunotherapy.
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12
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Effects of small molecule-induced dimerization on the programmed death ligand 1 protein life cycle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21286. [PMID: 36494467 PMCID: PMC9734112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint blockade is central to Immuno-Oncology based therapies, and alternatives to antibody blockers of this interaction are an active area of research due to antibody related toxicities. Recently, small molecule compounds that induce PD-L1 dimerization and occlusion of PD-1 binding site have been identified and developed for clinical trials. This mechanism invokes an oligomeric state of PD-L1 not observed in cells previously, as PD-L1 is generally believed to function as a monomer. Therefore, understanding the cellular lifecycle of the induced PD-L1 dimer is of keen interest. Our report describes a moderate but consistent increase in the PD-L1 rate of degradation observed upon protein dimerization as compared to the monomer counterpart. This subtle change, while not resolved by measuring total PD-L1 cellular levels by western blotting, triggered investigations of the overall protein distribution across various cellular compartments. We show that PD-L1 dimerization does not lead to rapid internalization of neither transfected nor endogenously expressed protein forms. Instead, evidence is presented that dimerization results in retention of PD-L1 intracellularly, which concomitantly correlates with its reduction on the cell surface. Therefore, the obtained data for the first time points to the ability of small molecules to induce dimerization of the newly synthesized PD-L1 in addition to the protein already present on the plasma membrane. Overall, this work serves to improve our understanding of this important target on a molecular level in order to guide advances in drug development.
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13
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Mittal L, Tonk R, Awasthi A, Asthana S. Traversing through the Dynamic Protein-Protein Interaction Landscape and Conformational Plasticity of PD-1 for Small-Molecule Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5941-5953. [PMID: 35420421 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interface have shown remarkable success in treating malignancies, but they may also initiate lethal immune-related adverse events. Small molecules may circumvent the mAb limitations; however, none has entered clinical trials targeting PD-1. Its complex protein-protein interaction interfaces necessitate an atomic-level understanding of recognition and binding mechanisms. Hence, we have aimed to highlight the PD-1's sequence-structure-dynamic-function link with its cognate ligands and diversely reported inhibitors. We focus primarily on the anti-PD-1 mAbs, their mode of actions, and interactions with PD-1 epitopes. The comparison of co-crystals showed that these ligands/inhibitors harness the PD-1's conformational plasticity and structural determinants differentially. The relationship between modulator binding patterns and biological activity is demonstrated using interaction fingerprinting of all reported human PD-1 co-crystals. The significant dynamical events and hot-spot residues underpinned from crystallographic wealth and computational studies have been highlighted to expedite small-molecule discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovika Mittal
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India.,Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Delhi 110017, India
| | - Rajiv Tonk
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Delhi 110017, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India
| | - Shailendra Asthana
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India
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14
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Advances of biphenyl small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in cancer immunotherapy. Future Med Chem 2021; 14:97-113. [PMID: 34870447 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy inhibiting the programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) interaction has emerged as one of the most attractive cancer treatment strategies. So far, the clinically used PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies, but monoclonal antibodies have several limitations, such as poor pharmacokinetic properties, unchecked immune responses and high production cost. The development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interaction is showing great promise as a potential alternative or complementary therapeutic approach of monoclonal antibodies. In this article, the authors classify the reported biphenyl small-molecule inhibitors into symmetrical and asymmetrical types based on their structural features and further review their representative inhibitors and biological activities, as well as the binding models for providing insight into further exploration of more potent biphenyl small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interaction.
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15
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Surmiak E, Magiera-Mularz K, Musielak B, Muszak D, Kocik-Krol J, Kitel R, Plewka J, Holak TA, Skalniak L. PD-L1 Inhibitors: Different Classes, Activities, and Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111797. [PMID: 34769226 PMCID: PMC8583776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) interaction has become an established strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Although hundreds of small-molecule, peptide, and peptidomimetic inhibitors have been proposed in recent years, only a limited number of drug candidates show good PD-1/PD-L1 blocking activity in cell-based assays. In this article, we compare representative molecules from different classes in terms of their PD-1/PD-L1 dissociation capacity measured by HTRF and in vitro bioactivity determined by the immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) co-culture assay. We point to recent discoveries that underscore important differences in the mechanisms of action of these molecules and also indicate one principal feature that needs to be considered, which is the eventual human PD-L1 specificity.
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