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Wang K, Cai S, Cheng Y, Qi Z, Ni X, Zhang K, Xiao Y, Zhang X, Wang T. Discovery of Benzo[ d]oxazoles as Novel Dual Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and VISTA Pathway. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39389791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
The blockers of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway have achieved great clinical success. However, the limited efficacy and low tumor response rate of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy limit the clinical application of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a novel checkpoint regulator, exhibits potential synergy with PD-1/PD-L1 in enhancing antitumor immunity. Herein, we report the discovery of benzo[d]oxazole B3 as novel dual small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and VISTA with high PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory activity and VISTA binding affinity. B3 rescues the immunosuppression of T-cells mediated by PD-L1 and VISTA and activates antitumor immunity effectively. Moreover, B3 could induce degradation of PD-L1 and VISTA in tumor cell. Furthermore, B3 displays significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in a CT26 mouse model. Our results discover B3 as a promising dual PD-1/PD-L1 and VISTA inhibitor, providing a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome the limitations of current anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shi Cai
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Innovation Department of the Research Institute, Nanjing Chia-Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiang Ni
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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2
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Zhang F, Zhang H, Zhou S, Plewka J, Wang M, Sun S, Wu C, Yu Q, Zhu M, Awadasseid A, Wu Y, Magiera-Mularz K, Zhang W. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of antitumor activity of 2-arylmethoxy-4-(2-fluoromethyl-biphenyl-3-ylmethoxy) benzylamine derivatives as PD-1/PD-l1 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116683. [PMID: 39032403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116683] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
A series of novel 2-arylmethoxy-4-(2-fluoromethyl-biphenyl-3-ylmethoxy) benzylamine derivatives was designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antitumor effects as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors both in vitro and in vivo. Firstly, the ability of these compounds to block the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint was assessed using the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay. Two of the compounds can strongly block the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, with IC50 values of less than 10 nM, notably, compound HD10 exhibited significant clinical potential by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with an IC50 value of 3.1 nM. Further microscale thermophoresis (MST) analysis demonstrated that HD10 had strong interaction with PD-L1 protein. Co-crystal structure (2.7 Å) analysis of HD10 in complex with the PD-L1 protein revealed a strong affinity between the compound and the target PD-L1 dimer. This provides a solid theoretical basis for further in vitro and in vivo studies. Next, a typical cell-based experiment demonstrated that HD10 could remarkably prevent the interaction of hPD-1 293 T cells from human recombinant PD-L1 protein, effectively restoring T cell function, and promoting IFN-γ secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HD10 was effective in suppressing tumor growth (TGI = 57.31 %) in a PD-1/PD-L1 humanized mouse model without obvious toxicity. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry data suggested that HD10 inhibits tumor growth by activating the immune system in vivo. Based on these results, it seems likely that HD10 is a promising clinical candidate that should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Department of Pharmacy, Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, 046012, China
| | - Shijia Zhou
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ming Wang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Shishi Sun
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Caiyun Wu
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Qimeng Yu
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Mengyu Zhu
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China
| | - Annoor Awadasseid
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Moganshan Institute, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313200, China.
| | - Yanling Wu
- Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, 310051, China.
| | - Katarzyna Magiera-Mularz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, 313299, China; Zhejiang Jieyuan Med-Tech Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 311113, China.
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3
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Gao J, Xie Y, Zhang J, Chen H, Zou Y, Cen S, Zhou J. A novel hydrophobic tag leads to the efficient degradation of programmed death-ligand 1. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:3038-3047. [PMID: 39309365 PMCID: PMC11411611 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00320a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction of PD-L1 and PD-1 transmits the inhibitory signal to reduce the proliferation of antigen-specific T-cells in lymph nodes. The expression of PD-L1 confers a potential escaping mechanism of tumors from the host immune system. Blocking the interaction of PD-1 and PD-L1 enables tumor-reactive T cells to overcome regulatory mechanisms and induce an effective antitumor response. The hydrophobic tag tethering degrader (HyTTD) contains a hydrophobic moiety, binding to the protein of interest (POI) to mimic the misfolding state of the POI, thereby inducing the degradation of POI. In this work, using the HyTTD strategy, we selected the diphenylmethyl derivatives as the PD-L1 binding motif for PD-L1 to develop the degraders for PD-L1, and multiple hydrophobic tags were attached. As a result, two HyTTDs Z2d and Z3d efficiently decreased the protein level of PD-L1 in both NCI-H460 and HT-1080 cells with low cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, the reduction of PD-L1 protein levels by Z2d/Z3d was counteracted by MG132, which indicated that Z2d/Z3d degraded PD-L1 through the proteasome pathway. Moreover, the molecular modeling results indicated that the HyT group of Z2d or Z3d extended the surface of the protein to mimic the misfold. Importantly, our work also identified a novel HyT, which could be applied to develop the HyTTD for other target proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieke Gao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University 688 Yingbin Road Jinhua 321004 P. R. China
| | - Yongli Xie
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Beijing China
| | - Jiantao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University 688 Yingbin Road Jinhua 321004 P. R. China
| | - Huirong Chen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University 688 Yingbin Road Jinhua 321004 P. R. China
| | - Yan Zou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University 688 Yingbin Road Jinhua 321004 P. R. China
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Beijing China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University 688 Yingbin Road Jinhua 321004 P. R. China
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4
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Konstantinidou M, Arkin MR. Molecular glues for protein-protein interactions: Progressing toward a new dream. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1064-1088. [PMID: 38701786 PMCID: PMC11193649 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The modulation of protein-protein interactions with small molecules is one of the most rapidly developing areas in drug discovery. In this review, we discuss advances over the past decade (2014-2023) focusing on molecular glues (MGs)-monovalent small molecules that induce proximity, either by stabilizing native interactions or by inducing neomorphic interactions. We include both serendipitous and rational discoveries and describe the different approaches that were used to identify them. We classify the compounds in three main categories: degradative MGs, non-degradative MGs or PPI stabilizers, and MGs that induce self-association. Diverse, illustrative examples with structural data are described in detail, emphasizing the elements of molecular recognition and cooperative binding at the interface that are fundamental for a MG mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Konstantinidou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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5
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Wang S, Kong Z, Shi Y, Shao C, Wang W, Su Z, Liu J, Zhou Y, Fei X, Cheng B, Chen J, Lu Y, Xiao J. Discovery of Small and Bifunctional Molecules Targeting PD-L1/CD73 for Cancer Dual Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:9447-9464. [PMID: 38748913 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00553] [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: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
In this work, a series of bifunctional PD-L1/CD73 (cluster of differentiation 73) small-molecule inhibitors were designed and synthesized. Among them, CC-5 showed the strongest PD-L1 inhibitory effects with an IC50 of 6 nM and potent anti-CD73 activity with an IC50 of 0.773 μM. The high PD-L1/CD73 inhibitory activity of CC-5 was further confirmed by SPR assays with KD of 182 nM for human PD-L1 and 101 nM for CD73, respectively. Importantly, CC-5 significantly suppressed tumor growth in a CT26 and B16-F10 tumor model with TGI of 64.3% and 39.6%, respectively. Immunohistochemical (IHC) and flow cytometry analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) indicated that CC-5 exerted anticancer effects via activating the tumor immune microenvironment. Collectively, CC-5 represents the first dual PD-L1/CD73 inhibitor worthy of further research as a bifunctional immunotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghu Wang
- Central Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University Lishui Hospital, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Zhihua Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou 528200, China
| | - Yaru Shi
- Central Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University Lishui Hospital, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Chuxiao Shao
- Central Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University Lishui Hospital, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Zhenhong Su
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Renal Disease Occurrence and Intervention, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435003, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Renal Disease Occurrence and Intervention, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435003, China
| | - Yingxing Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Renal Disease Occurrence and Intervention, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435003, China
| | - Xiaoting Fei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Renal Disease Occurrence and Intervention, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435003, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Central Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University Lishui Hospital, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Renal Disease Occurrence and Intervention, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, Hubei 435003, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yiyu Lu
- Oncology Department, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan 528200, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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6
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Klimek J, Kruc O, Ceklarz J, Kamińska B, Musielak B, van der Straat R, Dӧmling A, Holak TA, Muszak D, Kalinowska-Tłuścik J, Skalniak Ł, Surmiak E. C2-Symmetrical Terphenyl Derivatives as Small Molecule Inhibitors of Programmed Cell Death 1/Programmed Death Ligand 1 Protein-Protein Interaction. Molecules 2024; 29:2646. [PMID: 38893521 PMCID: PMC11173618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 complex is an immune checkpoint responsible for regulating the natural immune response, but also allows tumors to escape immune surveillance. Inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis positively contributes to the efficacy of cancer treatment. The only available therapeutics targeting PD-1/PD-L1 are monoclonal antibody-based drugs, which have several limitations. Therefore, small molecule compounds are emerging as an attractive alternative that can potentially overcome the drawbacks of mAb-based therapy. In this article, we present a novel class of small molecule compounds based on the terphenyl scaffold that bind to PD-L1. The general architecture of the presented structures is characterized by axial symmetry and consists of three elements: an m-terphenyl core, an additional aromatic ring, and a solubilizing agent. Using molecular docking, we designed a series of final compounds, which were subsequently synthesized and tested in HTRF assay and NMR binding assay to evaluate their activity. In addition, we performed an in-depth analysis of the mutual arrangement of the phenyl rings of the terphenyl core within the binding pocket of PD-L1 and found several correlations between the plane angle values and the affinity of the compounds towards the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Klimek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza St. 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Oskar Kruc
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza St. 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Joanna Ceklarz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
| | - Beata Kamińska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Prof. St. Łojasiewicza St. 11, 30-348 Cracow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
| | - Robin van der Straat
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Alexander Dӧmling
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palackӯ University in Olomouc, Křížkovského 511/8, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
| | - Tad A. Holak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
| | - Damian Muszak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
| | - Justyna Kalinowska-Tłuścik
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
| | - Łukasz Skalniak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
| | - Ewa Surmiak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa St. 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland; (J.K.); (O.K.); (B.K.); (B.M.); (T.A.H.); (D.M.); (J.K.-T.)
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7
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Xu C, Sun Z, Zhang X, Zang Q, Yang Z, Li L, Yang X, He Y, Ma Z, Chen J. Discovery of 4-phenyl-1H-indazole derivatives as novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107376. [PMID: 38640722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107376] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The inhibition of the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway with small molecules is a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. Herein, novel small molecules compounds bearing various scaffolds including thiophene, thiazole, tetrahydroquinoline, benzimidazole and indazole were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Among them, compound Z13 exhibited the most potent activity with IC50 of 189.6 nM in the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) binding assay. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay demonstrated that Z13 bound to PD-L1 with high affinity (KD values of 231 nM and 311 nM for hPD-L1 and mPD-L1, respectively). In the HepG2/Jurkat T co-culture cell model, Z13 decreased the viability rate of HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, Z13 showed significant in vivo antitumor efficacy (TGI = 52.6 % at 40 mg/kg) without obvious toxicity in the B16-F10 melanoma model. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that Z13 inhibited tumor growth in vivo by activating the tumor immune microenvironment. These findings indicate that Z13 is a promising PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor deserving further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong 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
| | - Zhiqiang Sun
- 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
| | - Xuewen 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
| | - Qinru Zang
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Ling Li
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Xixiang 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
| | - Yueyu 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
| | - Zeli Ma
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, 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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8
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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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9
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Wu YC, Lu MT, Kuo SC, Chu PC, Chang CS. Synthesis and SAR investigation of biphenylaminoquinoline derivatives with benzyloxy substituents as promising anticancer agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14509. [PMID: 38684369 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The biphenyl scaffold represents a prominent privileged structure within the realms of organic chemistry and drug development. Biphenyl derivatives have demonstrated notable biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and the treatment of neuropathic pain. Importantly, their anticancer abilities should not be underestimated. In this context, the present study involves the design and synthesis of a series of biphenyl derivatives featuring an additional privileged structure, namely the quinoline core. We have also diversified the substituents attached to the benzyloxy group at either the meta or para position of the biphenyl ring categorized into two distinct groups: [4,3']biphenylaminoquinoline-substituted and [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline-substituted compounds. We embarked on an assessment of the cytotoxic activities of these derivatives in colorectal cancer cell line SW480 and prostate cancer cell line DU145 for exploring the structure-activity relationship. Furthermore, we determined the IC50 values of selected compounds that exhibited superior inhibitory effects on cell viability against SW480, DU145 cells, as well as MDA-MB-231 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. Notably, [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline derivative 7j displayed the most potent cytotoxicity against these four cancer cell lines, SW480, DU145, MDA-MB-231, and MiaPaCa-2, with IC50 values of 1.05 μM, 0.98 μM, 0.38 μM, and 0.17 μM, respectively. This highly promising outcome underscores the potential of [3,3']biphenylaminoquinoline 7j for further investigation as a prospective anticancer agent in future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chieh Wu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Tien Lu
- Department of Cosmeceutics and Graduate Institute of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chu Kuo
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chen Chu
- Department of Cosmeceutics and Graduate Institute of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Shiang Chang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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10
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Wang Z, Yuan L, Liao X, Guo X, Chen J. Reducing PD-L1 Expression by Degraders and Downregulators as a Novel Strategy to Target the PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6027-6043. [PMID: 38598179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02143] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway has evolved into one of the most promising strategies for tumor immunotherapy. Thus far, multiple monoclonal antibody drugs have been approved for treating a variety of tumors, while the development of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has lagged far behind, with only a few small-molecule inhibitors entering clinical trials. In addition to antibody drugs and small-molecule inhibitors, reducing the expression levels of PD-L1 has attracted extensive research interest as another promising strategy to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Herein, we analyze the structures and mechanisms of molecules that reduce PD-L1 expression and classify them as degraders and downregulators according to whether they directly bind to PD-L1. Moreover, we discuss the potential prospects for developing PD-L1-targeting drugs based on these molecules. It is hoped that this perspective will provide profound insights into the discovery of potent antitumor immunity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China
- 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
| | - Lin Yuan
- 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
| | - Xiaotong Liao
- 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
| | - Xia Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, 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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11
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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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12
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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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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Liu L, Zhang H, Hou J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Wang S, Yao Z, Xie T, Wen X, Xu Q, Dai L, Feng Z, Zhang P, Wu Y, Sun H, Liu J, Yuan H. Discovery of Novel PD-L1 Small-Molecular Inhibitors with Potent In Vivo Anti-tumor Immune Activity. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38465588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has surfaced as a promising therapeutic target for various cancers due to its pivotal role in facilitating tumor immune evasion. Herein, we report a series of novel small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitors exhibiting remarkable inhibitory activity against the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction (X18: IC50 = 1.3 nM) and reinstating the suppressive effect of PD-L1 on T cells (X18: EC50 = 152.8 nM). Crystallographic studies revealed the binding mode of X18 and PD-L1. Through a rational prodrug design approach, we have successfully optimized the oral pharmacokinetic properties of X22, effectively addressing the poor oral pharmacokinetic profile of PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors. Notably, X22 demonstrated significant antitumor efficacy in murine models of MC38 and CT26 colon cancer through the upregulation of tumor infiltration and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells partially. These findings offer promising prospects for the advancement of PD-L1 inhibitors as innovative agents in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Honghan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Luosen Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhiying Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tao Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoan Wen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Qinglong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Liang Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Zhiqi Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Pu Zhang
- Jiangsu Flag Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 211500, China
| | - Yaojun Wu
- Jiangsu Flag Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nanjing 211500, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haoliang Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
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16
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Wang K, Zhang X, Cheng Y, Qi Z, Ye K, Zhang K, Jiang S, Liu Y, Xiao Y, Wang T. Discovery of Novel PD-L1 Inhibitors That Induce the Dimerization, Internalization, and Degradation of PD-L1 Based on the Fragment Coupling Strategy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16807-16827. [PMID: 38109261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01534] [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: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells can evade immune surveillance through overexpressing programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) to interact with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Besides, tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 is involved in tumor progression without interaction with PD-1, which provides more challenges for the discovery of PD-L1 inhibitors. Herein, we report the discovery of novel PD-L1 inhibitors using the fragment coupling strategy. Among them, B9 was found to inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with the best IC50 value of 1.8 ± 0.7 nM. Beyond the blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, B9 promotes the dimerization, internalization, and degradation of PD-L1. Furthermore, B9 displayed high in vivo antitumor efficacy in the CT26 mouse model and activated the immune microenvironment and induced PD-L1 degradation of PD-L1 in the tumor. These results show that B9 is a promising lead PD-L1 inhibitor through the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction and functional inhibition of the PD-L1 signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaizhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ke Ye
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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17
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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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18
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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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19
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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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20
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Hu X, Lv G, Hua D, Zhang N, Liu Q, Qin S, Zhang L, Xi H, Qiu L, Lin J. Preparation and Bioevaluation of 18F-Labeled Small-Molecular Radiotracers via Sulfur(VI) Fluoride Exchange Chemistry for Imaging of Programmed Cell Death Protein Ligand 1 Expression in Tumors. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4228-4235. [PMID: 37409670 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, one of the most effective methods of tumor immunotherapy is blocking programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoints. However, there is still a significant challenge in selecting patients to benefit from immune checkpoint therapies. Positron emission tomography (PET), a noninvasive molecular imaging technique, offers a new approach to accurately detect PD-L1 expression and allows for a better prediction of response to PD-1/PD-L1 target immunotherapy. Here, we designed and synthesized a novel group of aryl fluorosulfate-containing small-molecule compounds (LGSu-1, LGSu-2, LGSu-3, and LGSu-4) based on the phenoxymethyl-biphenyl scaffold. After screening by the time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay, the most potent compound LGSu-1 (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): 15.53 nM) and the low-affinity compound LGSu-2 (IC50: 189.70 nM) as a control were selected for 18F-radiolabeling by sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange chemistry (SuFEx) to use for PET imaging. [18F]LGSu-1 and [18F]LGSu-2 were prepared by a one-step radiofluorination reaction in over 85% radioconversion and nearly 30% radiochemical yield. In B16-F10 melanoma cell assays, [18F]LGSu-1 (5.00 ± 0.06%AD) showed higher cellular uptake than [18F]LGSu-2 (2.55 ± 0.04%AD), in which cell uptake could be significantly blocked by the nonradioactivity LGSu-1. In vivo experiments, micro-PET imaging of B16-F10 tumor-bearing mice and radiographic autoradiography of tumor sections showed that [18F]LGSu-1 was more effectively accumulated in the tumor due to the higher binding affinity with PD-L1. The above experimental results confirmed the potential of the small-molecule probe LGSu-1 as a targeting PD-L1 imaging tracer in tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Gaochao Lv
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Di Hua
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Qingzhu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Shuai Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Hongjie Xi
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Ling Qiu
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
| | - Jianguo Lin
- Department of Radiopharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, China
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21
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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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22
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Ali HA, Ismail MA, Fouda AEAS, Ghaith EA. A fruitful century for the scalable synthesis and reactions of biphenyl derivatives: applications and biological aspects. RSC Adv 2023; 13:18262-18305. [PMID: 37333795 PMCID: PMC10274569 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra03531j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides recent developments in the current status and latest synthetic methodologies of biphenyl derivatives. Furthermore, this review investigates detailed discussions of several metalated chemical reactions related to biphenyl scaffolds such as Wurtz-Fittig, Ullmann, Bennett-Turner, Negishi, Kumada, Stille, Suzuki-Miyaura, Friedel-Crafts, cyanation, amination, and various electrophilic substitution reactions supported by their mechanistic pathways. Furthermore, the preconditions required for the existence of axial chirality in biaryl compounds are discussed. Furthermore, atropisomerism as a type of axial chirality in biphenyl molecules is discussed. Additionally, this review covers a wide range of biological and medicinal applications of the synthesized compounds involving patented approaches in the last decade corresponding to investigating the crucial role of the biphenyl structures in APIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar A Ali
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University 35516 Mansoura Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Ismail
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University 35516 Mansoura Egypt
| | - Abd El-Aziz S Fouda
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University 35516 Mansoura Egypt
| | - Eslam A Ghaith
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University 35516 Mansoura Egypt
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23
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Donati G, D’Amore VM, Russomanno P, Cerofolini L, Amato J, Marzano S, Salobehaj M, Rizzo D, Assoni G, Carotenuto A, La Pietra V, Arosio D, Seneci P, Fragai M, Brancaccio D, Di Leva FS, Marinelli L. Theoretical and experimental studies on the interaction of biphenyl ligands with human and murine PD-L1: Up-to-date clues for drug design. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3355-3368. [PMID: 37384351 PMCID: PMC10293680 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Today it is widely recognized that the PD-1/PD-L1 axis plays a fundamental role in escaping the immune system in cancers, so that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have been evaluated for their antitumor properties in more than 1000 clinical trials. As a result, some of them have entered the market revolutionizing the treatment landscape of specific cancer types. Nonetheless, a new era based on the development of small molecules as anti PD-L1 drugs has begun. There are, however, some limitations to advancing these compounds into clinical stages including the possible difficulty in counteracting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in vivo, the discrepancy between the in vitro IC50 (HTFR assay) and cellular EC50 (immune checkpoint blockade co-culture assay), and the differences in ligands' affinity between human and murine PD-L1, which can affect their preclinical evaluation. Here, an extensive theoretical study, assisted by MicroScale Thermophoresis binding assays and NMR experiments, was performed to provide an atomistic picture of the binding event of three representative biphenyl-based compounds in both human and murine PD-L1. Structural determinants of the species' specificity were unraveled, providing unprecedented details useful for the design of next generation anti-PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Donati
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria D’Amore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Russomanno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Marzano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Salobehaj
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Domenico Rizzo
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Giulia Assoni
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo I-38123, Trento, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carotenuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta" (SCITEC), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diego Brancaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
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24
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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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Xing Y, Zhang F, Ji P, Wei M, Yin C, Yang A, Yang G, Zhao J. Efficient Delivery of GSDMD-N mRNA by Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Induces Pyroptosis for Enhanced Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2204031. [PMID: 36635060 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a newly discovered inflammatory form of programmed cell death, which promotes systemic immune response in cancer immunotherapy. GSDMD is one of the key molecules executing pyroptosis, while therapeutical delivery of GSDMD to tumor cells is of great challenge. In this study, an extracellular vesicles-based GSDMD-N mRNA delivery system (namely EVTx ) is developed for enhanced cancer immunotherapy, with GSDMD-N mRNA encapsulated inside, Ce6 (Chlorin e6 (Ce6), a hydrophilic sensitizer) incorporated into extracellular vesicular membrane, and HER2 antibody displayed onto the surface. Briefly, GSDMD-N mRNA is translationally repressed in donor cells by optimized puromycin, ensuring the cell viability and facilitating the mRNA encapsulation into extracellular vesicles. When targeted and delivered into HER2+ breast cancer cells by the engineered extracellular vesicles, the translational repression is unleashed in the recipient cells as the puromycin is diluted and additionally inactivated by sonodynamic treatment as the extracellular vesicles are armed with Ce6, allowing GSDMD-N translation and pyroptosis induction. In addition, sonodynamic treatment also induces cell death in the recipient cells. In the SKBR3- and HER2 transfected 4T1- inoculated breast tumor mouse models, the engineered EVTx efficiently induces a powerful tumor immune response and suppressed tumor growth, providing a nanoplatform for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Xing
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Feiyu Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Panpan Ji
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Mengying Wei
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Chunhui Yin
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Angang Yang
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169 Changlexi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Guodong Yang
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- The State Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
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26
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Sobral PS, Luz VCC, Almeida JMGCF, Videira PA, Pereira F. Computational Approaches Drive Developments in Immune-Oncology Therapies for PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065908. [PMID: 36982981 PMCID: PMC10054797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational approaches in immune-oncology therapies focus on using data-driven methods to identify potential immune targets and develop novel drug candidates. In particular, the search for PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has enlivened the field, leveraging the use of cheminformatics and bioinformatics tools to analyze large datasets of molecules, gene expression and protein-protein interactions. Up to now, there is still an unmet clinical need for improved ICIs and reliable predictive biomarkers. In this review, we highlight the computational methodologies applied to discovering and developing PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs for improved cancer immunotherapies with a greater focus in the last five years. The use of computer-aided drug design structure- and ligand-based virtual screening processes, molecular docking, homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations methodologies essential for successful drug discovery campaigns focusing on antibodies, peptides or small-molecule ICIs are addressed. A list of recent databases and web tools used in the context of cancer and immunotherapy has been compilated and made available, namely regarding a general scope, cancer and immunology. In summary, computational approaches have become valuable tools for discovering and developing ICIs. Despite significant progress, there is still a need for improved ICIs and biomarkers, and recent databases and web tools have been compiled to aid in this pursuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia S Sobral
- LAQV and REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Vanessa C C Luz
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - João M G C F Almeida
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Paula A Videira
- UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Florbela Pereira
- LAQV and REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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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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28
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DiFrancesco M, Hofer J, Aradhya A, Rufinus J, Stoddart J, Finocchiaro S, Mani J, Tevis S, Visconti M, Walawender G, DiFlumeri J, Fattakhova E, Patil SP. Discovery of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists through combined virtual screening and experimental validation. Comput Biol Chem 2023; 102:107804. [PMID: 36610303 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2022.107804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the interaction between the PD-1 protein on activated lymphocytes and the PD-L1 protein on tumors represents a novel therapeutic approach for selective activation of the innate immune response against a variety of cancers. Therefore, the present study utilized a combined virtual and experimental screening approach to screen databases of both lead-like and larger molecules for identification of novel inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. First, high-throughput virtual screening of ∼3.7 million lead-like molecules using a rigid-receptor docking approach against both human PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins revealed possible small-molecule tractability of PD-1, but not PD-L1, binding interface. The subsequent work, therefore, involved screening of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) compound database against the PD-1 pocket. Several NCI compounds were identified with potential to bind to the PD-1 pocket and in turn inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. The dynamic binding behavior of these molecules was further investigated using long 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) stimulation revealing NSC631535 to be a potentially stable binder at PD-1 interface pocket. In support of these MD data, the experimental testing of NSC631535 exhibited 50% inhibition at ∼15 μM test concentration. The observed activity of this compound is promising as despite its relatively low molecular weight (415.5 g/mol) it is still capable of inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction having a large interface area (∼1970 Å2). In summary, our integrated computational and experimental screening led to identification of a novel PD-1 antagonist that may serve as a starting point for further optimization into more potent small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Hofer
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Abhay Aradhya
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rufinus
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - John Stoddart
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Finocchiaro
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Jabari Mani
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Sean Tevis
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Michael Visconti
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Griffin Walawender
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Juliette DiFlumeri
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Elena Fattakhova
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
| | - Sachin P Patil
- NanoBio Laboratory, School of Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA.
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29
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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: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [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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30
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Kitel R, Rodríguez I, del Corte X, Atmaj J, Żarnik M, Surmiak E, Muszak D, Magiera-Mularz K, Popowicz GM, Holak TA, Musielak B. Exploring the Surface of the Ectodomain of the PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint with Small-Molecule Fragments. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:2655-2663. [PMID: 36073782 PMCID: PMC9486809 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Development of small molecules targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 interface is advancing both in industry and academia, but only a few have reached early-stage clinical trials. Here, we take a closer look at the general druggability of PD-L1 using in silico hot spot mapping and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based characterization. We found that the conformational elasticity of the PD-L1 surface strongly influences the formation of hot spots. We deconstructed several generations of known inhibitors into fragments and examined their binding properties using differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and protein-based nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These biophysical analyses showed that not all fragments bind to the PD-L1 ectodomain despite having the biphenyl scaffold. Although most of the binding fragments induced PD-L1 oligomerization, two compounds, TAH35 and TAH36, retain the monomeric state of proteins upon binding. Additionally, the presence of the entire ectodomain did not affect the binding of the hit compounds and dimerization of PD-L1. The data demonstrated here provide important information on the PD-L1 druggability and the structure-activity relationship of the biphenyl core moiety and therefore may aid in the design of novel inhibitors and focused fragment libraries for PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radoslaw Kitel
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ismael Rodríguez
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Xabier del Corte
- Departamento
de Química Orgánica I, Centro de Investigación
y Estudios Avanzados “Lucio Lascaray” − Facultad
de Farmacia, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU Paseo de la Universidad
7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Jack Atmaj
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Żarnik
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Surmiak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Damian Muszak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Magiera-Mularz
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz M. Popowicz
- Institute
of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum
München, Ingolstädter
Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tad A. Holak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Department, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Krakow, Poland,
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31
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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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32
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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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33
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Gao Y, Wang H, Shen L, Xu H, Deng M, Cheng M, Wang J. Discovery of benzo[d]isothiazole derivatives as novel scaffold inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) interaction through “ring fusion” strategy. Bioorg Chem 2022; 123:105769. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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34
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Le Biannic R, Magnez R, Klupsch F, Leleu-Chavain N, Thiroux B, Tardy M, El Bouazzati H, Dezitter X, Renault N, Vergoten G, Bailly C, Quesnel B, Thuru X, Millet R. Pyrazolones as inhibitors of immune checkpoint blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114343. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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35
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Biphenyl Ether Analogs Containing Pomalidomide as Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Programmed Cell Death-1/Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Interaction. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113454. [PMID: 35684392 PMCID: PMC9181982 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
New biphenyl-based chimeric compounds containing pomalidomide were developed and evaluated for their activity to inhibit and degrade the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death- ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) complex. Most of the compounds displayed excellent inhibitory activity against PD-1/PD-L1, as assessed by the homogenous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) binding assay. Among them, compound 3 is one of the best with an IC50 value of 60 nM. Using an ex vivo PD-1/PD-L1 blockade cell line bioassay that expresses human PD-1 and PD-L1, we show that compounds 4 and 5 significantly restore the repressed immunity in this co-culture model. Western blot data, however, demonstrated that these anti-PD-L1/pomalidomide chimeras could not reduce the protein levels of PD-L1.
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36
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Mao S, Yuan B, Wang X, Zhao Y, Wang L, Yang XY, Chen YM, Zhang SQ, Li P. Triazene as the Directing Group Achieving Highly Ortho-Selective Diborylation and Sequential Functionalization. Org Lett 2022; 24:3594-3598. [PMID: 35549279 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c00994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study describes a regioselective ortho,ortho'-diborylation of aromatic triazenes catalyzed by [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2 in near-quantitative yields without an additional ligand. Aromatic triazenes act as both substrates and ligands. The X-ray structures of 2a and 2p indicate that the monoborylation products could promote the occurrence of diborylation. The synthesized triazene-substituted diboronate esters could undergo a variety of transformations including directing group removal. One-pot sequential modification provides a short entry to densely functionalized arenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Yahao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, NCRC, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xue-Yan Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
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37
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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: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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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38
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Meng Y, Chu C, Niu X, Cheng L, Wu D, Liu L, Zhang S, Li T, Hou Y, Liu Y, Qin M. Discovery of 4-phenylindolines containing a (5-cyanopyridin-3-yl)methoxy moiety as potent inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 63:128647. [PMID: 35231577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128647] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With the great success of anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies in clinical applications, blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has become the most compelling strategy in the field of tumor immunotherapy. In this study, a novel series of 4-phenylindolines containing a (5-cyanopyridin-3-yl)methoxy moiety were developed, and their structure-activity relationships were preliminarily discussed. Among them, compounds M17 and M23 exhibited the most potent ability to disrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, demonstrating IC50 values of 60.1 nM and 53.2 nM, respectively. The binding mode of M23 was further explored by molecular docking analysis with dimeric PD-L1. Therefore, M17 and M23 are promising lead compounds for developing potent inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Meng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Cuiping Chu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Xinyu Niu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Liuyang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Lei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Shaopeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Tianqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yunlei Hou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Mingze Qin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
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39
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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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40
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Wu X, Zhang Q, Guo Y, Zhang H, Guo X, You Q, Wang L. Methods for the Discovery and Identification of Small Molecules Targeting Oxidative Stress-Related Protein–Protein Interactions: An Update. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040619. [PMID: 35453304 PMCID: PMC9025695 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxidative stress response pathway is one of the hotspots of current pharmaceutical research. Many proteins involved in these pathways work through protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Hence, targeting PPI to develop drugs for an oxidative stress response is a promising strategy. In recent years, small molecules targeting protein–protein interactions (PPIs), which provide efficient methods for drug discovery, are being investigated by an increasing number of studies. However, unlike the enzyme–ligand binding mode, PPIs usually exhibit large and dynamic binding interfaces, which raise additional challenges for the discovery and optimization of small molecules and for the biochemical techniques used to screen compounds and study structure–activity relationships (SARs). Currently, multiple types of PPIs have been clustered into different classes, which make it difficult to design stationary methods for small molecules. Deficient experimental methods are plaguing medicinal chemists and are becoming a major challenge in the discovery of PPI inhibitors. In this review, we present current methods that are specifically used in the discovery and identification of small molecules that target oxidative stress-related PPIs, including proximity-based, affinity-based, competition-based, structure-guided, and function-based methods. Our aim is to introduce feasible methods and their characteristics that are implemented in the discovery of small molecules for different types of PPIs. For each of these methods, we highlight successful examples of PPI inhibitors associated with oxidative stress to illustrate the strategies and provide insights for further design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuqi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hengheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (X.G.); (Q.Y.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-025-83271351 (Q.Y.); +86-15261483858 (L.W.)
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (X.G.); (Q.Y.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-025-83271351 (Q.Y.); +86-15261483858 (L.W.)
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (X.W.); (Q.Z.); (Y.G.); (H.Z.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (X.G.); (Q.Y.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-025-83271351 (Q.Y.); +86-15261483858 (L.W.)
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41
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Molecular glues modulate protein functions by inducing protein aggregation: A promising therapeutic strategy of small molecules for disease treatment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3548-3566. [PMID: 36176907 PMCID: PMC9513498 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular glues can specifically induce aggregation between two or more proteins to modulate biological functions. In recent years, molecular glues have been widely used as protein degraders. In addition, however, molecular glues play a variety of vital roles, such as complex stabilization, interactome modulation and transporter inhibition, enabling challenging therapeutic targets to be druggable and offering an exciting novel approach for drug discovery. Since most molecular glues are identified serendipitously, exploration of their systematic discovery and rational design are important. In this review, representative examples of molecular glues with various physiological functions are divided into those mediating homo-dimerization, homo-polymerization and hetero-dimerization according to their aggregation modes, and we attempt to elucidate their mechanisms of action. In particular, we aim to highlight some biochemical techniques typically exploited within these representative studies and classify them in terms of three stages of molecular glue development: starting point, optimization and identification.
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42
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Wang T, Cai S, Cheng Y, Zhang W, Wang M, Sun H, Guo B, Li Z, Xiao Y, Jiang S. Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis That Promote PD-L1 Internalization and Degradation. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3879-3893. [PMID: 35188766 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Several monoclonal antibodies targeting the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway have been used successfully in anticancer immunotherapy. Inherent limitations of antibody-based therapies remain, however, and alternative small-molecule inhibitors that can block the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are urgent needed. Herein, we report the discovery of compound 17 as a bifunctional inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. 17 inhibits PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and promotes dimerization, internalization, and degradation of PD-L1. 17 promotes cell-surface PD-L1 internalized into the cytosol and induces the degradation of PD-L1 in tumor cells through a lysosome-dependent pathway. Furthermore, 17 suppresses tumor growth in vivo by activating antitumor immunity. These results demonstrate that 17 targets the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and induces PD-L1 degradation.
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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
| | - Yao Cheng
- 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
| | - Minmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huiyong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Binghua Guo
- Syntron Company, Ltd., Yanchen 224500, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Center for Bioenergetics, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - 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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43
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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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44
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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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45
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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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