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Du J, Han S, Zhou H, Wang J, Wang F, Zhao M, Song R, Li K, Zhu H, Zhang W, Yang Z, Liu Z. Targeted protein degradation combined with PET imaging reveals the role of host PD-L1 in determining anti-PD-1 therapy efficacy. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024:10.1007/s00259-024-06804-9. [PMID: 38910165 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06804-9] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immunohistochemical staining of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumor biopsies acquired through invasive procedures is routinely employed in clinical practice to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy. Nevertheless, PD-L1 expression is observed in various cellular subsets within tumors and their microenvironments, including tumor cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages. The impact of PD-L1 expression across these different cell types on the responsiveness to anti-PD-1 treatment is yet to be fully understood. METHODS We synthesized polymer-based lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) that incorporate both PD-L1-targeting motifs and liver cell-specific asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) recognition elements. Small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PD-L1 expression was also conducted using a PD-L1-specific radiotracer 89Zr-αPD-L1/Fab. RESULTS The PD-L1 LYTAC platform was capable of specifically degrading PD-L1 expressed on liver cancer cells through the lysosomal degradation pathway via ASGPR without impacting the PD-L1 expression on host cells. When coupled with whole-body PD-L1 PET imaging, our studies revealed that host cell PD-L1, rather than tumor cell PD-L1, is pivotal in the antitumor response to anti-PD-1 therapy in a mouse model of liver cancer. CONCLUSION The LYTAC strategy, enhanced by PET imaging, has the potential to surmount the limitations of knockout mouse models and to provide a versatile approach for the selective degradation of target proteins in vivo. This could significantly aid in the investigation of the roles and mechanisms of protein functions associated with specific cell subsets in living subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Du
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shu Han
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Haoyi Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jianze Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Meixin Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rui Song
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Kui Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Weifang Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Zhaofei Liu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Peking University-Yunnan Baiyao International Medical Research Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
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2
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Gao Y, Duan JL, Wang CC, Yuan Y, Zhang P, Wang ZH, Sun B, Zhou J, Du X, Dang X, Bai RT, Zhang H, Xie T, Ye XY. Novel Bifunctional Conjugates Targeting PD-L1/PARP7 as Dual Immunotherapy for Potential Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38912753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Bifunctional conjugates targeting PD-L1/PARP7 were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for the first time. Compounds B3 and C6 showed potent activity against PD-1/PD-L1 interaction (IC50 = 0.426 and 0.342 μM, respectively) and PARP7 (IC50 = 2.50 and 7.05 nM, respectively). They also displayed excellent binding affinity with hPD-L1, approximately 100-200-fold better than that of hPD-1. Both compounds restored T-cell function, leading to the increase of IFN-γ secretion. In the coculture assay, B3 and C6 enhanced the killing activity of MDA-MB-231 cells by Jurkat T cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, B3 and C6 displayed significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in a melanoma B16-F10 tumor mouse model, more than 5.3-fold better than BMS-1 (a PD-L1 inhibitor) and RBN-2397 (a PARP7i clinical candidate) at the dose of 25 mg/kg, without observable side effects. These results provide valuable insight and understanding for developing bifunctional conjugates for potential anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Ji-Long Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Chen-Chen Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yinghui Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zong-Hao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiaoli Du
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiawen Dang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Rui-Ting Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang Hangzhou 311121, China
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Yang Z, Liu Z, Wan S, Xu J, Huang Y, He H, Liu T, Li L, Ren Y, Zhang J, Chen J. Discovery of Novel Small-Molecule-Based Potential PD-L1/EGFR Dual Inhibitors with High Druggability for Glioblastoma Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7995-8019. [PMID: 38739112 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Based on the close relationship between programmed death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in glioblastoma (GBM), we designed and synthesized a series of small molecules as potential dual inhibitors of EGFR and PD-L1. Among them, compound EP26 exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against EGFR (IC50 = 37.5 nM) and PD-1/PD-L1 interaction (IC50 = 1.77 μM). In addition, EP26 displayed superior in vitro antiproliferative activities and in vitro immunomodulatory effects by promoting U87MG cell death in a U87MG/Jurkat cell coculture model. Furthermore, EP26 possessed favorable pharmacokinetic properties (F = 22%) and inhibited tumor growth (TGI = 92.0%) in a GBM mouse model more effectively than Gefitinib (77.2%) and NP19 (82.8%). Moreover, EP26 increased CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in tumor microenvironment. Collectively, these results suggest that EP26 represents the first small-molecule-based PD-L1/EGFR dual inhibitor deserving further investigation as an immunomodulating agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shanhe Wan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianwei Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yaqi Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Haiqi He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ling Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Yichang Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiajie Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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4
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Zhang Y, Yin F, Luo Z, Li S, Li X, Wan S, Chen Y, Kong L, Wang X. Improving tumor sensitivity by the introduction of an ester chain to triaryl derivatives targeting PD-1/PD-L1. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116433. [PMID: 38678826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116433] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade is a promising immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer. In this manuscript, a series of triaryl compounds containing ester chains were designed and synthesized based on the pharmacophore studies of the lead BMS-1. After several SAR iterations, 22 showed the best biochemical activity binding to hPD-L1 with an IC50 of 1.21 nM in HTRF assay, and a KD value of 5.068 nM in SPR analysis. Cell-based experiments showed that 22 effectively promoted A549 cell death by restoring T-cell immune function. 22 showed significant in vivo antitumor activity in a 4T1 mouse model without obvious toxicity, with a TGI rate of 67.8 % (20 mg/kg, ip). Immunohistochemistry data indicated that 22 activates the immune activity in tumors. These results suggest that 22 is a promising compound for further development of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fucheng Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhongwen Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Siyuan Wan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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5
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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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6
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Javed SA, Najmi A, Ahsan W, Zoghebi K. Targeting PD-1/PD-L-1 immune checkpoint inhibition for cancer immunotherapy: success and challenges. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383456. [PMID: 38660299 PMCID: PMC11039846 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1) acts as a T-cell brake, and its interaction with ligand-1 (PD-L-1) interferes with signal transduction of the T-cell receptor. This leads to suppression of T-cell survival, proliferation, and activity in the tumor microenvironment resulting in compromised anticancer immunity. PD-1/PD-L-1 interaction blockade shown remarkable clinical success in various cancer immunotherapies. To date, most PD-1/PD-L-1 blockers approved for clinical use are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); however, their therapeutic use are limited owing to poor clinical responses in a proportion of patients. mAbs also displayed low tumor penetration, steep production costs, and incidences of immune-related side effects. This strongly indicates the importance of developing novel inhibitors as cancer immunotherapeutic agents. Recently, advancements in the small molecule-based inhibitors (SMIs) that directly block the PD-1/PD-L-1 axis gained attention from the scientific community involved in cancer research. SMIs demonstrated certain advantages over mAbs, including longer half-lives, low cost, greater cell penetration, and possibility of oral administration. Currently, several SMIs are in development pipeline as potential therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. To develop new SMIs, a wide range of structural scaffolds have been explored with excellent outcomes; biphenyl-based scaffolds are most studied. In this review, we analyzed the development of mAbs and SMIs targeting PD-1/PD-L-1 axis for cancer treatment. Altogether, the present review delves into the problems related to mAbs use and a detailed discussion on the development and current status of SMIs. This article may provide a comprehensive guide to medicinal chemists regarding the potential structural scaffolds required for PD-1/PD-L-1 interaction inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asim Najmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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7
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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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8
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Awadasseid A, Wang R, Sun S, Zhang F, Wu Y, Zhang W. Small molecule and PROTAC molecule experiments in vitro and in vivo, focusing on mouse PD-L1 and human PD-L1 differences as targets. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116257. [PMID: 38350367 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116257] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PD-L1 have been licensed by the FDA for use in the treatment of cancer, demonstrating the effectiveness of blocking immune checkpoints, particularly the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Although mAb-based therapies have made great strides, they still have their limitations, and new small-molecule or PROTAC-molecule inhibitors that can block the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are desperately needed. Therefore, it is crucial to translate initial in vitro discoveries into appropriate in vivo animal models when creating PD-L1-blocking therapies. Due to their widespread availability and low experimental expenses, classical immunocompetent mice are appealing for research purposes. However, it is yet unclear whether the mouse (m) PD-L1 interaction with human (h) PD-1 in vivo would produce a functional immunological checkpoint. In this review, we summarize the in vitro and in vivo experimental studies of small molecules and PROTAC molecules, particularly the distinctions between mPD-L1 as a target and hPD-L1 as a target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annoor Awadasseid
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Moganshan Institute ZJUT, Deqing 313202, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Department of Biochemistry & Food Sciences, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid 51111, Sudan
| | - Rui Wang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shishi Sun
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Krutzek F, Donat CK, Stadlbauer S. Exploring Hydrophilic PD-L1 Radiotracers Utilizing Phosphonic Acids: Insights into Unforeseen Pharmacokinetics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15088. [PMID: 37894769 PMCID: PMC10606431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015088] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in cancer patients, is a promising oncological treatment. However, the number of non-responders remains high, causing a burden for the patient and the healthcare system. Consequently, a diagnostic tool to predict treatment outcomes would help with patient stratification. Molecular imaging provides said diagnostic tool by offering a whole-body quantitative assessment of PD-L1 expression, hence supporting therapy decisions. Four PD-L1 radioligand candidates containing a linker-chelator system for radiometalation, along with three hydrophilizing units-one sulfonic and two phosphonic acids-were synthesized. After labeling with 64Cu, log D7.4 values of less than -3.03 were determined and proteolytic stability confirmed over 94% intact compound after 48 h. Binding affinity was determined using two different assays, revealing high affinities up to 13 nM. µPET/CT imaging was performed in tumor-bearing mice to investigate PD-L1-specific tumor uptake and the pharmacokinetic profile of radioligands. These results yielded an unexpected in vivo distribution, such as low tumor uptake in PD-L1 positive tumors, high liver uptake, and accumulation in bone/bone marrow and potentially synovial spaces. These effects are likely caused by Ca2+-affinity and/or binding to macrophages. Despite phosphonic acids providing high water solubility, their incorporation must be carefully considered to avoid compromising the pharmacokinetic behavior of radioligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Krutzek
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Medicinal Radiochemistry, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (F.K.); (C.K.D.)
| | - Cornelius K. Donat
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Medicinal Radiochemistry, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (F.K.); (C.K.D.)
| | - Sven Stadlbauer
- Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Department of Medicinal Radiochemistry, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany; (F.K.); (C.K.D.)
- School of Science, Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technical University Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
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10
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Zhang H, Zhou S, Plewka J, Wu C, Zhu M, Yu Q, Musielak B, Wang X, Awadasseid A, Magiera-Mularz K, Wu Y, Zhang W. Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity Evaluation of 2-Arylmethoxy-4-(2,2'-dihalogen-substituted biphenyl-3-ylmethoxy) Benzylamine Derivatives as Potent PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10579-10603. [PMID: 37496104 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Novel 2-arylmethoxy-4-(2,2'-dihalogen-substituted biphenyl-3-ylmethoxy) benzylamine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro and in vivo against cancers as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Through the computer-aided structural optimization and the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay, compound A56 was found to most strongly block the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with an IC50 value of 2.4 ± 0.8 nM and showed the most potent activity. 1H NMR titration results indicated that A56 can tightly bind to the PD-L1 protein with KD < 1 μM. The X-ray diffraction data for the cocrystal structure of the A56/PD-L1 complex (3.5 Å) deciphered a novel binding mode in detail, which can account for its most potent inhibitory activity. Cell-based assays further demonstrated the strong ability of A56 as an hPD-1/hPD-L1 blocker. Especially in an hPD-L1 MC38 humanized mouse model, A56 significantly inhibited tumor growth without obvious toxicity, with a TGI rate of 55.20% (50 mg/kg, i.g.). In conclusion, A56 is a promising clinical candidate worthy of further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Shijia Zhou
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Caiyun Wu
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Mengyu Zhu
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Qimeng Yu
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Xiao Wang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Annoor Awadasseid
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Katarzyna Magiera-Mularz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Yanling Wu
- Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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11
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Li X, Zeng Q, Xu F, Jiang Y, Jiang Z. Progress in programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 pathway inhibitors and binding mode analysis. Mol Divers 2023; 27:1935-1955. [PMID: 35948846 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10509-2] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays an important role in negative regulating immunity. The search for effective PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has been at the cutting-edge of academic and industrial medicinal chemistry, leading to the emergence of 16 clinical candidate drugs and the launch of six monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) drugs. However, due to the unclear mechanism of the interaction between drugs and substances in vivo, the screening of preclinical drugs often takes a long time. In order to shorten the time of drug development as much as possible, the binding mode analysis that can simulate the interaction between drugs and substances in vivo at the molecular level can significantly shorten the drug development process. This paper reviews the mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway at the molecular level, as well as the research progress and obstacles of inhibitors. Besides, we analyzed the binding mode of recently reported PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with PD-1 or PD-L1 protein in detail in order to provide ideas for the development of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chun'an County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qin Zeng
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengjiao Xu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuying Jiang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhongmei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chun'an County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Zwergel C, Fioravanti R, Mai A. PD-L1 small-molecule modulators: A new hope in epigenetic-based multidrug cancer therapy? Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103435. [PMID: 36370994 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint protein the overexpression of which results in an inhibitory signal that induces T cell exhaustion responsible for immune escape in tumors. Immunotherapy strategies targeting the PD-L1 pathway have achieved remarkable success in treating various types of cancer. More recently, numerous advances in understanding the complex PD-L1 biology have been made, and the first small-molecule inhibitors have been described in the literature. In this review, we highlight the most promising recent advances in understanding the complex regulation mechanisms focusing on small-molecule modulators, which could be used in rational therapy combinations with other epigenetic chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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13
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Sun C, Cheng Y, Liu X, Wang G, Min W, Wang X, Yuan K, Hou Y, Li J, Zhang H, Dong H, Wang L, Lou C, Sun Y, Yu X, Deng H, Xiao Y, Yang P. Novel phthalimides regulating PD-1/PD-L1 interaction as potential immunotherapy agents. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4446-4457. [PMID: 36561991 PMCID: PMC9764071 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1) have emerged as one of the most promising immune checkpoint targets for cancer immunotherapy. Despite the inherent advantages of small-molecule inhibitors over antibodies, the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors has fallen behind that of antibody drugs. Based on docking studies between small molecule inhibitor and PD-L1 protein, changing the chemical linker of inhibitor from a flexible chain to an aromatic ring may improve its binding capacity to PD-L1 protein, which was not reported before. A series of novel phthalimide derivatives from structure-based rational design was synthesized. P39 was identified as the best inhibitor with promising activity, which not only inhibited PD-1/PD-L1 interaction (IC50 = 8.9 nmol/L), but also enhanced killing efficacy of immune cells on cancer cells. Co-crystal data demonstrated that P39 induced the dimerization of PD-L1 proteins, thereby blocking the binding of PD-1/PD-L1. Moreover, P39 exhibited a favorable safety profile with a LD50 > 5000 mg/kg and showed significant in vivo antitumor activity through promoting CD8+ T cell activation. All these data suggest that P39 acts as a promising small chemical inhibitor against the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and has the potential to improve the immunotherapy efficacy of T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengliang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaojia Liu
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Gefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haojie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chenguang Lou
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Yanze Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xinmiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hongbin Deng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China,Corresponding authors.
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14
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Wu Y, Yang Z, Cheng K, Bi H, Chen J. Small molecule-based immunomodulators for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4287-4308. [PMID: 36562003 PMCID: PMC9764074 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Current cancer immunotherapies are mostly antibody-based, thus possessing advantages in regard to pharmacodynamics (e.g., specificity and efficacy). However, they have limitations in terms of pharmacokinetics including long half-lives, poor tissue/tumor penetration, and little/no oral bioavailability. In addition, therapeutic antibodies are immunogenic, thus may cause unwanted adverse effects. Therefore, researchers have shifted their efforts towards the development of small molecule-based cancer immunotherapy, as small molecules may overcome the above disadvantages associated with antibodies. Further, small molecule-based immunomodulators and therapeutic antibodies are complementary modalities for cancer treatment, and may be combined to elicit synergistic effects. Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of small molecule-based cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we describe the current progress in small molecule-based immunomodulators (inhibitors/agonists/degraders) for cancer therapy, including those targeting PD-1/PD-L1, chemokine receptors, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), Toll-like receptor (TLR), etc. The tumorigenesis mechanism of various targets and their respective modulators that have entered clinical trials are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kui Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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15
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Biphenyl-based small molecule inhibitors: Novel cancer immunotherapeutic agents targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117001. [PMID: 36126447 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117001] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint proteins are those key to the body's immunity which can either boost the immune system to protect the body from pathogens; or suppress the body's immunity system for the goal of self-tolerance. Cancer cells have evolved some mechanisms to boost the immuno-inhibitory checkpoints to bypass the immune system of the body. The binding of Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) protein with its ligand Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) promotes this kind of immune-inhibitory signal. The discovery of immune checkpoint inhibitors was started in the early 21st century; with some success through monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and small molecules. Being the most reliable and safest way to target immune checkpoints, the scientific community is exploring possibilities to develop small molecule inhibitors. Among the different scaffolds of the small molecule, the most exposed and researched core molecule is Biphenyl-based scaffolds. We have described all of the possible biphenyl-based small molecules in this article, as well as their interactions with various amino acids in the binding cavity. The link between the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo activities of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are well connected. The Tyr56, Met115, Ala121, and Asp122 were detected as the crucial amino acids of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. Additionally, a detailed binding pocket analysis of the PD-L1 receptor was carried out, where it was observed and confirmed that the binding pocket is tunnel-shaped and hydrophobic in nature. Finally, the structure-activity relationship of the biphenyl-based small molecule inhibitors was developed based on their activity and the binding interactions.
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16
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Yang J, Basu S, Hu L. Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationships of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid derivatives as inhibitors of the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint pathway. Med Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-022-02926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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17
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Sasikumar PG, Ramachandra M. Small Molecule Agents Targeting PD-1 Checkpoint Pathway for Cancer Immunotherapy: Mechanisms of Action and Other Considerations for Their Advanced Development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:752065. [PMID: 35585982 PMCID: PMC9108255 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.752065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pioneering success of antibodies targeting immune checkpoints such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) has changed the outlook of cancer therapy. Although these antibodies show impressive durable clinical activity, low response rates and immune-related adverse events are becoming increasingly evident in antibody-based approaches. For further strides in cancer immunotherapy, novel treatment strategies including combination therapies and alternate therapeutic modalities are highly warranted. Towards this discovery and development of small molecule, checkpoint inhibitors are actively being pursued, and the efforts have culminated in the ongoing clinical testing of orally bioavailable checkpoint inhibitors. This review focuses on the small molecule agents targeting PD-1 checkpoint pathway for cancer immunotherapy and highlights various chemotypes/scaffolds and their characterization including binding and functionality along with reported mechanism of action. The learnings from the ongoing small molecule clinical trials and crucial points to be considered for their clinical development are also discussed.
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18
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Lu L, Qi Z, Wang T, Zhang X, Zhang K, Wang K, Cheng Y, Xiao Y, Li Z, Jiang S. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of PD-1/PD-L1 Antagonists Bearing a Benzamide Scaffold. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:586-592. [PMID: 35450381 PMCID: PMC9014519 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several antibodies targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer therapy. Although many small-molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been reported, no small-molecule inhibitors have been approved for cancer treatment. In this work, a series of novel benzamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated to find effective inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. The most potent compound D2 exhibited better activity than that of BMS202, with an IC50 of 16.17 nM. D2 could activate the antitumor immunity of T cells efficiently in PBMCs. The proposed binding mode of compound D2 was investigated by docking analysis. These results indicate that compound D2 is a promising lead compound that can be used for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kaizhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Department of Biomedical Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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19
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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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20
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Song Z, Liu B, Peng X, Gu W, Sun Y, Xing L, Xu Y, Geng M, Ai J, Zhang A. Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Biaryl-Containing PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction Inhibitors Bearing a Unique Difluoromethyleneoxy Linkage. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16687-16702. [PMID: 34761679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 has been a promising anticancer strategy; however, clinically available PD-1/PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors are lacking. In view of the high potency of compound 2 (BMS-1002), structural fine tuning of the methoxy linkage together with diverse modification in the solvent interaction region was conducted. A series of novel derivatives featuring a difluoromethyleneoxy linkage were designed. Compound 43 was identified as the most promising PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 10.2 nM in the HTRF assay. This compound is capable of promoting CD8+ T cell activation through inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 cellular signaling. Moreover, in the Hepa1-6 syngeneic mouse model, administration of compound 43 at 1 mg/kg dosage promoted CD8+ T cell activation and delayed the tumor growth with good tolerance. Notably, the tumor in one mouse of the compound 43-treated group was completely regressed. These results indicate that compound 43 is a promising candidate worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilan Song
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xia Peng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wangting Gu
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Li Xing
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Shanghai Pinghe School, 261 Huangyang Road, Shanghai 201206, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Pharm-X Center, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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21
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Russomanno P, Assoni G, Amato J, D'Amore VM, Scaglia R, Brancaccio D, Pedrini M, Polcaro G, La Pietra V, Orlando P, Falzoni M, Cerofolini L, Giuntini S, Fragai M, Pagano B, Donati G, Novellino E, Quintavalle C, Condorelli G, Sabbatino F, Seneci P, Arosio D, Pepe S, Marinelli L. Interfering with the Tumor-Immune Interface: Making Way for Triazine-Based Small Molecules as Novel PD-L1 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16020-16045. [PMID: 34670084 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis by monoclonal antibodies has achieved remarkable success in treating a growing number of cancers. However, a novel class of small organic molecules, with BMS-202 (1) as the lead, is emerging as direct PD-L1 inhibitors. Herein, we report a series of 2,4,6-tri- and 2,4-disubstituted 1,3,5-triazines, which were synthesized and assayed for their PD-L1 binding by NMR and homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence. Among them, compound 10 demonstrated to strongly bind with the PD-L1 protein and challenged it in a co-culture of PD-L1 expressing cancer cells (PC9 and HCC827 cells) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells enhanced antitumor immune activity of the latter. Compound 10 significantly increased interferon γ release and apoptotic induction of cancer cells, with low cytotoxicity in healthy cells when compared to 1, thus paving the way for subsequent preclinical optimization and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Russomanno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Giulia Assoni
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo I-38123, Trento, Italy.,Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria D'Amore
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Riccardo Scaglia
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Martina Pedrini
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Giovanna Polcaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ospedale "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Università di Salerno, Salerno 84131, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Paolo Orlando
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Marianna Falzoni
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Centro di Risonanza Magnetica, CERM, Università di Firenze, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Stefano Giuntini
- Centro di Risonanza Magnetica, CERM, Università di Firenze, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Centro di Risonanza Magnetica, CERM, Università di Firenze, Firenze 50019, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Greta Donati
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy; Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy; Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Sabbatino
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ospedale "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Università di Salerno, Salerno 84131, Italy
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Pepe
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Ospedale "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Università di Salerno, Salerno 84131, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, Napoli 80131, Italy
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22
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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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23
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Discovery of phenyl-linked symmetric small molecules as inhibitors of the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 223:113637. [PMID: 34147746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) is one of the most promising targets in the field of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Beginning with our exploration of linkers and structure-activity relationship research, we found that the aromatic ring could replace the linker and aryl group to maintain the satisfactory activity of classic triaryl scaffold inhibitor. Based on previous studies, we designed and synthesized a series of C2-symmetric phenyl-linked compounds, and further tail optimization afforded the inhibitors, which displayed promising inhibitory activity against the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with IC50 value at the single nanomolar range (C13-C15). Further cell-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockade bioassays indicated that these C2-symmetric molecules could significantly inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction at the cellular level and restore T cells' immune function at the safety concentrations. The discovery of these phenyl-linked symmetric small molecules showed the potential of simplified-linker and C2-symmetric strategy and provided a basis for developing symmetric small molecule inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Moreover, C13 and C15 performed stable binding modes to PD-L1 dimeric after computational docking and dynamic simulation, which may serve as a good starting point for further development.
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24
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Wang T, Cai S, Wang M, Zhang W, Zhang K, Chen D, Li Z, Jiang S. Novel Biphenyl Pyridines as Potent Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Programmed Cell Death-1/Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7390-7403. [PMID: 34056906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the successful clinical application of anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies (mAb), targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction has become a promising method for the discovery of cancer therapy. Due to the inherent limitations of antibodies, it is necessary to search for small-molecule inhibitors against the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. We report the design, synthesis, and evaluation in vitro and in vivo of a series of novel biphenyl pyridines as the inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1. 2-(((2-Methoxy-6-(2-methyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)pyridin-3-yl)methyl)amino)ethan-1-ol (24) was found to inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with an IC50 value of 3.8 ± 0.3 nM and enhance the killing activity of tumor cells by immune cells. Compound 24 displays great pharmacokinetics (oral bioavailability of 22%) and significant in vivo antitumor activity in a CT26 mouse model. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry data indicated that compound 24 activates the immune activity in tumors. These results suggest that compound 24 is a promising small-molecule inhibitor against the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and merits further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mingming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wanheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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25
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Dai X, Wang K, Chen H, Huang X, Feng Z. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 1-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives as novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105034. [PMID: 34116264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signalling pathway is a promising tumour immunotherapeutic approach, and small molecule drugs have more advantages than monoclonal antibody macromolecules in clinical applications. Therefore, a series of 1-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-b]pyridine derivatives as PD-1/PD-L1 interaction novel small-molecule inhibitors were designed employing a ring fusion strategy. The inhibitory activity of compounds was evaluated by the HTRF assay, among which D38 was identified as the most potent PD-1/PD-L1 interaction inhibitor with an IC50 value of 9.6 nM. Furthermore, D38 exhibited prominent inhibitory activity against the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with an EC50 value of 1.61 μM in a coculture model of PD-L1/TCR activator-expressing CHO cells and PD-1-expressing Jurkat cells. In addition, the preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) of compounds were elucidated, and the binding mode of D38 with the PD-L1 dimer was analysed by molecular docking. Overall, D38 could be employed as a prospective lead compound of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction inhibitors for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Dai
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Ke Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xupeng Huang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhiqiang Feng
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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26
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OuYang Y, Gao J, Zhao L, Lu J, Zhong H, Tang H, Jin S, Yue L, Li Y, Guo W, Xu Q, Lai Y. Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of o-(Biphenyl-3-ylmethoxy)nitrophenyl Derivatives as PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Potent Anticancer Efficacy In Vivo. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7646-7666. [PMID: 34037385 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Two series of novel o-(biphenyl-3-ylmethoxy)nitrophenyl compounds (A1-31 and B1-17) were designed as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. All compounds showed significant inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 2.7 to 87.4 nM except compound A17, and compound B2 displayed the best activity. Further experiments showed that B2 bound to the PD-L1 protein without obvious toxicity in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. Furthermore, B2 significantly promoted interferon-gamma secretion in a dose-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Especially, B2 exhibited potent in vivo anticancer efficacy in an LLC-bearing allograft mouse model at a low dose of 5 mg/kg, which was more active than BMS-1018 (tumor growth inhibition rate: 48.5% vs 17.8%). A panel of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that B2 effectively counteracted PD-1-induced immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment, thereby triggering antitumor immunity. These results indicate that B2 is a promising PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor worthy of further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang OuYang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Junfeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Haiqing Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Hua Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Shuanglong Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Lu Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yuezhen Li
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Wenjie Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Yisheng Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
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