Design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 1-,3-,8-, and 9-substituted-9-deazaxanthines at the human A2B adenosine receptor

Therapeutic Potentials of A2B Adenosine Receptor Ligands: Current Status and Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Adenosine receptors (ARs) are classified as A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 subtypes belong to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). More than 40% of modern medicines act through either activation or inhibition of signaling processes associated with GPCRs. In particular, A2B AR signaling pathways are implicated in asthma, inflammation, cancer, ischemic hyperfusion, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and kidney disease.

METHODS

This article reviews different disease segments wherein A2B AR is implicated and discusses the potential role of subtype-selective A2B AR ligands in the management of such diseases or disorders. All the relevant publications on this topic are reviewed and presented scientifically.

RESULTS

This review provides an up-to-date highlight of the recent advances in the development of novel and selective A2B AR ligands and their therapeutic role in treating various disease conditions. A special focus has been given to the therapeutic potentials of selective A2B AR ligands in the management of airway inflammatory conditions and cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrates the current status and perspectives of A2B AR ligands as therapeutically useful agents that would assist medicinal chemists and pharmacologists in discovering novel and subtype-selective A2B AR ligands as potential drug candidates.

The aminopyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile core for the design of new non-nucleoside-like agonists of the human adenosine A2B receptor

A new series of amino-3,5-dicyanopyridines (3-28) as analogues of the adenosine hA_2B receptor agonist BAY60-6583 (compound 1) was synthesized. All the compounds that interact with the hA_2B adenosine receptor display EC₅₀ values in the range 9-350 nM behaving as partial agonists, with the only exception being the 2-{[4-(4-acetamidophenyl)-6-amino-3,5-dicyanopyridin-2-yl]thio}acetamide (8) which shows a full agonist profile. Moreover, the 2-[(1H-imidazol-2-yl)methylthio)]-6-amino-4-(4-cyclopropylmethoxy-phenyl)pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (15) turns out to be 3-fold more active than 1 although less selective. This result can be considered a real breakthrough due to the currently limited number of non-adenosine hA_2B AR agonists reported in literature. To simulate the binding mode of nucleoside and non-nucleoside agonists at the hA_2B AR, molecular docking studies were performed at homology models of this AR subtype developed by using two crystal structures of agonist-bound A_2A AR as templates. These investigations allowed us to represent a hypothetical binding mode of hA_2B receptor agonists belonging to the amino-3,5-dicyanopyridine series and to rationalize the observed SAR.

Discovery of a Potent 9-Deazaxanthine-based Agent for the Treatment of Obesity-Related Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

A series of deazaxanthine-based derivatives were rationally prepared and evaluated. 8g exhibited the most potent glucose-lowering effect on HepG2 cell line and modulated adiponectin and leptin expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Oral administration of 8g at 25 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks manifested therapeutic effects on high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by decreasing the weights of the body, liver, and fat. 8g also modulated the serum levels of fasting glucose and adiponectin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and alanine aminotransferase, as well as the hepatic concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol. Moreover, 8g significantly decreased steatosis and blocked the increase of adipocytes and the size of adipose tissues from NAFLD. In the DIO mice model, 8g ameliorated the obesity-related symptoms and normalized serum biomarkers.

Novel 8-heterocyclyl xanthine derivatives in drug development - an update

Naturally occurring methyl xanthines, especially caffeine and theophylline, have been widely investigated for their pharmacological properties as cognition enhancers, bronchodilator agents and mild diuretics. The xanthine core (3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione) has been largely manipulated in the search for selective ligands for different pharmacological targets, proving to be a versatile scaffold for the development of lead compounds in multiple therapeutic areas. The introduction of a heterocycle at the 8-position of some xanthine derivatives demonstrated to be a successful strategy for the identification of potent and selective A1 or A2B adenosine receptors antagonists as potential agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and asthma, respectively. Interesting examples of 8-heterocyclyl-xanthines as dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and liver X receptor agonists have been claimed for their possible therapeutic use in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Novel 1,3-dipropyl-8-(3-benzimidazol-2-yl-methoxy-1-methylpyrazol-5-yl)xanthines as potent and selective A₂B adenosine receptor antagonists

Molecular modeling studies, including the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) method, on 52 antagonists of the A(2B) adenosine receptor with known biological activity were performed to identify the three-dimensional features responsible for A(2B) adenosine receptor antagonist activity. On the basis of these and previous results on the potent antagonist effect of 8-pyrazolyl-xanthines at human A(2B)AR, a new series of compounds was synthesized and evaluated in binding studies against the human A(1), A(2A), A(3), and A(2B)ARs. A remarkable improvement in selectivity with respect to the previous series, maintaining the potency at human A(2B) receptor, was achieved, as exemplified by the 8-[3-(4-chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl-methoxy)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-1,3-dipropyl-3,7-dihydro-purine-2,6-dione derivative 66: K(i) A(2B) = 9.4 nM, IC(50) hA(2B) = 26 nM hA(1)/hA(2B) = 269, hA(2A)/hA(2B) > 106, hA(3)/hA(2B) >106. This study also led to the identification of a series of pyrazole-xanthine compounds with a simplified structure, exemplified by 8-(3-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-xanthine 80 displaying very high affinity at A(2B)AR with good selectivity over AR subtypes (K(i) = 4.0 nM, IC(50) hA(2B) = 20 nM hA(1)/hA(2B) = 183, hA(2A),hA(3)/hA(2B) > 250).

Xanthines as adenosine receptor antagonists

The natural plant alkaloids caffeine and theophylline were the first adenosine receptor (AR) antagonists described in the literature. They exhibit micromolar affinities and are non-selective. A large number of derivatives and analogues were subsequently synthesized and evaluated as AR antagonists. Very potent antagonists have thus been developed with selectivity for each of the four AR subtypes.

Divergent solution-phase synthesis of diarylpyrimidine libraries as selective A3 adenosine receptor antagonists

A practical and divergent solution-phase synthetic strategy has been optimized to prepare a highly diverse library of 2,4-diaryl- and 2,6-diarylpyrimidines. Structural elaboration of the starting heterocyclic scaffolds was accomplished by exploiting the potential for diversity offered by the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. These studies enabled the identification of structurally simple, highly potent, and selective A(3) adenosine receptor antagonists.

Recent developments in A2B adenosine receptor ligands

A selective, high-affinity A(2B) adenosine receptor (AR) antagonist will be useful as a pharmacological tool to help determine the role of the A(2B)AR in inflammatory diseases and angiogenic diseases. Based on early A(2B)AR-selective ligands with nonoptimal pharmaceutical properties, such as 15 (MRS 1754: K(i)(hA(2B)) = 2 nM; K(i)(hA(1)) = 403 nM; K(i)(hA(2A)) = 503 NM, and K(i)(hA(3)) = 570 nM), several groups have discovered second-generation A(2B)AR ligands that are suitable for development. Scientists at CV Therapeutics have discovered the selective, high-affinity A(2B)AR antagonist 22, a 8-(4-pyrazolyl)-xanthine derivative, (CVT-6883, K(i)(hA(2B)) = 22 nM; K(i)(hA(1)) = 1,940 nM; K(i)(hA(2A)) = 3,280; and K(i)(hA(3)) = 1,070 nM). Compound 22 has demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties (T(1/2) = 4 h and F > 35% rat), and it is a functional antagonist at the A(2B)AR(K (B) = 6 nM). In a mouse model of asthma, compound 22 demonstrated a dose-dependent efficacy supporting the role of the A(2B)AR in asthma. In two Phase I clinical trails, 22 (CVT-6883) was found to be safe, well tolerated, and suitable for once-daily dosing. Baraldi et al. have independently discovered a selective, high-affinity A(2B)AR antagonist, 30 (MRE2029F20), 8-(5-pyrazolyl)-xanthine (K(i)(hA(2B)) = 5.5 nM; K(i)(hA(1)) = 200 nM; K(i)(hA(2A), A(3)) > 1,000, that has been selected for development in conjunction with King Pharmaceuticals. Compound 30 has been demonstrated to be a functional antagonist of the A(2B)AR, and it has been radiolabeled for use in pharmacological studies. A third compound, 58 (LAS-38096), is a 2-aminopyrimidine derivative (discovered by the Almirall group) that has high A(2B)AR affinity and selectivity (K(i)(hA(2B)) = 17 nM; K(i)(hA(1)) > 1,000 nM; K(i)(hA(2A)) > 2,500; and K(i)(hA(3)) > 1,000 nM), and 58 has been moved into preclinical safety testing. A fourth selective, high-affinity A(2B)AR antagonist, 54 (OSIP339391 K(i))(hA(2B)) = 0.5 nM; K(i))(hA(1)) = 37 nM; K(i))(hA(2A)) = 328; and K(i))(hA(3)) = 450 nm) was discovered by the OSI group. The three highly selective, high-affinity A(2B)AR antagonists that have been selected for development should prove useful in subsequent clinical trials that will establish the role of the A(2B)ARs in various disease states.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Adenosine Antagonist Activity of a Series of [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines

A series of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines were prepared in satisfactory yields by reaction of some derivatives of 2-aminobenzohydrazide with several hydrochlorides of aromatic amidines, and their binding affinities for the recombinant human adenosine A2A and A2B receptors were determined. None of the new compounds showed noteworthy affinity for these receptors, though a very high affinity for the A2A receptor and, consequently, a high level of A2A/A2B selectivity was revealed for one of the synthesized compounds.

A new synthesis of sulfonamides by aminolysis of p-nitrophenylsulfonates yielding potent and selective adenosine A2B receptor antagonists

1-Propyl- and 1,3-dimethyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine (PSB-1115 and SPT) were used as starting compounds for the development of adenosine A(2B) receptor antagonists with a sulfonamide structure. Since standard reactions for sulfonamide formation failed or resulted in very low yields, we developed a new method for the preparation of sulfonamides. p-Nitrophenoxide was used as a suitable leaving group with well balanced stability-reactivity properties. A large variety of amines, including aniline, benzylamine, phenethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, 2-hydroxyethylamine, aminoacetic acid, and N-benzylpiperazine reacted with p-nitrophenoxysulfonylphenylxanthine derivatives yielding the desired sulfonamides in satisfying to very good yields. The obtained sulfonamides were much more potent at A(2B) receptors than the parent sulfonates. The most active compound of the present series was 8-[4-(4-benzylpiperazide-1-sulfonyl)phenyl]-1-propylxanthine (11, PSB-601) exhibiting a K(i) value of 3.6 nM for the human A(2B) receptor combined with high selectivity versus the other human adenosine receptor subtypes (575-fold versus A(1), 134-fold versus A(2A), and >278-fold versus A(3)).

New pyrrolopyrimidin-6-yl benzenesulfonamides: potent A2B adenosine receptor antagonists

A new series of 4-(1,3-dialkyl-2,4-dioxo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-6-yl)benzenesulfonamides has been identified as potent A2B adenosine receptor antagonists. The products have been evaluated for their binding affinities for the human A2B, A1 and A3 adenosine receptors. 6-(4-{[4-(4-Bromobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]sulfonyl}phenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3H,5H)-dione (16) showed a high affinity for the A2B adenosine receptor (IC50=1 nM) and selectivity (A1: 183x; A3: 12660x). Synthesis and SAR of this novel class of compounds showing improved absorption properties is presented herein.