Novel inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication that improve host survival in a mouse model of acute viral encephalitis

(Indol-3-yl)(DMIX)Iodonium Salts: Novel Electrophilic Indole Reagents

A new umpolung approach to the C3-H functionalization of indoles with diverse nucleophiles based on the intermediate formation of I(III) reagents is described. The 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl auxiliary allows for selective indole transfer under catalyst-free conditions, which was impossible using previously reported reagents. Combining the mildness of transition-metal-free conditions and the high reactivity of hypervalent iodine reagents, this protocol tolerates various functional groups and provides access to indoles that are difficult to prepare conventionally.

Development of Azaindole-Based Frameworks as Potential Antiviral Agents and Their Future Perspectives

The azaindole (AI) framework continues to play a significant role in the design of new antiviral agents. Modulating the position and isosteric replacement of the nitrogen atom of AI analogs notably influences the intrinsic physicochemical properties of lead compounds. The intra- and intermolecular interactions of AI derivatives with host receptors or viral proteins can also be fine tuned by carefully placing the nitrogen atom in the heterocyclic core. This wide-ranging perspective article focuses on AIs that have considerable utility in drug discovery programs against RNA viruses. The inhibition of influenza A, human immunodeficiency, respiratory syncytial, neurotropic alpha, dengue, ebola, and hepatitis C viruses by AI analogs is extensively reviewed to assess their plausible future potential in antiviral drug discovery. The binding interaction of AIs with the target protein is examined to derive a structural basis for designing new antiviral agents.

Synthesis and biological activity of conformationally restricted indole-based inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication: Generation of a three-dimensional pharmacophore

We have previously reported the development of indole-based CNS-active antivirals for the treatment of neurotropic alphavirus infection, but further optimization is impeded by a lack of knowledge of the molecular target and binding site. Herein we describe the design, synthesis and evaluation of a series of conformationally restricted analogues with the dual objectives of improving potency/selectivity and identifying the most bioactive conformation. Although this campaign was only modestly successful at improving potency, the sharply defined SAR of the rigid analogs enabled the definition of a three-dimensional pharmacophore, which we believe will be of value in further analog design and virtual screening for alternative antiviral leads.

Designing multivalent immunogens for alphavirus vaccine optimization

There is a pressing need for vaccines against mosquito-borne alphaviruses such as Venezualen and eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV). We demonstrate an approach to vaccine development based on physicochemical properties (PCP) of amino acids to design a PCP-consensus sequence of the epitope-rich B domain of the VEEV major antigenic E2 protein. The consensus "spike" domain was incorporated into a live-attenuated VEEV vaccine candidate (ZPC/IRESv1). Mice inoculated with either ZPC/IRESv1 or the same virus containing the consensus E2 protein fragment (VEEVconE2) were protected against lethal challenge with VEEV strains ZPC-738 and 3908, and Mucambo virus (MUCV, related to VEEV), and had comparable neutralizing antibody titers against each virus. Both vaccines induced partial protection against Madariaga virus (MADV), a close relative of EEEV, lowering mortality from 60% to 20%. Thus PCP-consensus sequences can be integrated into a replicating virus that could, with further optimization, provide a broad-spectrum vaccine against encephalitic alphaviruses.

Producing physicochemical property consensus alphavirus protein antigens for broad spectrum vaccine design

There is a pressing need for new vaccines against alphaviruses, which can cause fatal encephalitis (Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and others) and severe arthralgia (e.g. Chikungunya virus, CHIKV). These positive-strand RNA viruses are diverse and evolve rapidly, meaning that the sequence of any vaccine should cover multiple strains that may be quite different from any previous isolate. Here, consensus proteins were produced to represent the common physicochemical properties (PCPs) of the epitope rich, B domain of the E2 envelope protein. PCP-consensus proteins were based on multiple strains of VEEV (VEEVcon) and CHIKV (CHIKVcon) or the conserved PCPs of 24 different alphaviruses (AllAVcon). The AllAVcon was altered to include binding sites for neutralizing antibodies of both VEEV and CHIKV strains (Mosaikcon). All four designed proteins were produced solubly in E. coli and purified. They formed the β-strand core expected from experimental structures of this region of the wild type E2 proteins as indicated by circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Furthermore, the CHIKVcon protein bound to a structure dependent, CHIKV neutralizing monoclonal antibody. The AllAVcon and Mosaikcon proteins bound to polyclonal antibodies generated during natural infection with either VEEV or CHIKV, indicating they contained epitopes of both serotypes. The Mosaikcon antigen induced antibodies in rabbit sera that recognized both the VEEVcon and CHIKVcon spike proteins. These PCP-consensus antigens are promising starting points for novel, broad-spectrum alphavirus vaccines.

Elemental-Sulfur-Incorporated Cyclizations of Pyrrolidines Leading to Thienopyrroles

We report, herein, the synthesis of thieno[3,2-b]pyrroles from the direct oxidative [4 + 1] cyclization of 2-alkynyl pyrrolidines with elemental sulfur. This transformation likely originates from electrophilic attack at the β-position of pyrrolidine followed by an intramolecular thienannulation to deliver the desired product. Mechanistic investigation suggests that the present reaction involves the formation of dihydrothieno[3,2-b]pyrrole as an intermediate.

Synthetic strategies, SAR studies, and computer modeling of indole 2 and 3-carboxamides as the strong enzyme inhibitors: a review

Abstract

Indole derivatives have been the focus of many researchers in the study of pharmaceutical compounds for many years. Researchers have investigated the effect of carboxamide moiety at positions 2 and 3, giving unique inhibitory properties to these compounds. The presence of carboxamide moiety in indole derivatives causes hydrogen bonds with a variety of enzymes and proteins, which in many cases, inhibits their activity. In this review, synthetic strategies of indole 2 and 3-carboxamide derivatives, the type, and mode of interaction of these derivatives against HLGP, HIV-1, renin enzyme, and structure–activity studies of these compounds were investigated. It is hoped that indole scaffolds will be tested in the future for maximum activity in pharmacological compounds.

Graphic abstract

A compendium of small molecule direct-acting and host-targeting inhibitors as therapies against alphaviruses

Alphaviruses were amongst the first arboviruses to be isolated, characterized and assigned a taxonomic status. They are globally widespread, infecting a large variety of terrestrial animals, birds, insects and even fish. Moreover, they are capable of surviving and circulating in both sylvatic and urban environments, causing considerable human morbidity and mortality. The re-emergence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in almost every part of the world has caused alarm to many health agencies throughout the world. The mosquito vector for this virus, Aedes, is globally distributed in tropical and temperate regions and capable of thriving in both rural and urban landscapes, giving the opportunity for CHIKV to continue expanding into new geographical regions. Despite the importance of alphaviruses as human pathogens, there is currently no targeted antiviral treatment available for alphavirus infection. This mini-review discusses some of the major features in the replication cycle of alphaviruses, highlighting the key viral targets and host components that participate in alphavirus replication and the molecular functions that were used in drug design. Together with describing the importance of these targets, we review the various direct-acting and host-targeting inhibitors, specifically small molecules that have been discovered and developed as potential therapeutics as well as their reported in vitro and in vivo efficacies.

Type-1 angiotensin receptor signaling in central nervous system myeloid cells is pathogenic during fatal alphavirus encephalitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Alphaviruses can cause fatal encephalitis in humans. Natural infections occur via the bite of infected mosquitos, but aerosol transmissibility makes some of these viruses potential bioterrorism agents. Central nervous system (CNS) host responses contribute to alphavirus pathogenesis in experimental models and are logical therapeutic targets. We investigated whether reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox) activity within the CNS contributes to fatal alphavirus encephalitis in mice.

METHODS

Infected animals were treated systemically with the angiotensin receptor-blocking drug, telmisartan, given its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, selectively block type-1 angiotensin receptors (AT1R), and inhibit Nox-derived ROS production in vascular smooth muscle and other extraneural tissues. Clinical, virological, biochemical, and histopathological outcomes were followed over time.

RESULTS

The importance of the angiotensin II (Ang II)/AT1R axis in disease pathogenesis was confirmed by demonstrating increased Ang II levels in the CNS following infection, enhanced disease survival when CNS Ang II production was suppressed, increased AT1R expression on microglia and tissue-infiltrating myeloid cells, and enhanced disease survival in AT1R-deficient mice compared to wild-type (WT) controls. Systemic administration of telmisartan protected WT mice from lethal encephalitis caused by two different alphaviruses in a dose-dependent manner without altering virus replication or exerting any anti-inflammatory effects in the CNS. Infection triggered up-regulation of multiple Nox subunits in the CNS, while drug treatment inhibited local Nox activity, ROS production, and oxidative neuronal damage. Telmisartan proved ineffective in Nox-deficient mice, demonstrating that this enzyme is its main target in this experimental setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Nox-derived ROS, likely arising from CNS myeloid cells triggered by AT1R signaling, are pathogenic during fatal alphavirus encephalitis in mice. Systemically administered telmisartan at non-hypotensive doses targets Nox activity in the CNS to exert a neuroprotective effect. Disruption of this pathway may have broader implications for the treatment of related infections as well as for other CNS diseases driven by oxidative injury.

The role of HTS in drug discovery at the University of Michigan

High throughput screening (HTS) is an integral part of a highly collaborative approach to drug discovery at the University of Michigan. The HTS lab is one of four core centers that provide services to identify, produce, screen and follow-up on biomedical targets for faculty. Key features of this system are: protein cloning and purification, protein crystallography, small molecule and siRNA HTS, medicinal chemistry and pharmacokinetics. Therapeutic areas that have been targeted include anti-bacterial, metabolic, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, anti-cancer and anti-viral. The centers work in a coordinated, interactive environment to affordably provide academic investigators with the technology, informatics and expertise necessary for successful drug discovery. This review provides an overview of these centers at the University of Michigan, along with case examples of successful collaborations with faculty.

Discovery of anthranilamides as a novel class of inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication

Neurotropic alphaviruses are debilitating pathogens that infect the central nervous system (CNS) and are transmitted to humans via mosquitoes. There exist no effective human vaccines against these viruses, underlining the need for effective antivirals, but no antiviral drugs are available for treating infection once the viruses have invaded the CNS. Previously, we reported the development of novel indole-2-carboxamide-based inhibitors of alphavirus replication that demonstrate significant reduction of viral titer and achieve measurable brain permeation in a pharmacokinetic mouse model. Herein we report our continued efforts to improve physicochemical properties predictive of in vivo blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability through reduction of overall molecular weight, replacing the indole core with a variety of aromatic and non-aromatic monocyclics. These studies culminated in the identification of simple anthranilamides that retain excellent potency with improved metabolic stability and significantly greater aqueous solubility. Furthermore, in a live virus study, we showed that two new compounds were capable of reducing viral titer by two orders of magnitude and that these compounds likely exert their effects through a mechanism similar to that of our indole-2-carboxamide inhibitors.

West nile virus and equine encephalitis viruses: new perspectives

Mosquito-borne diseases affect horses worldwide. Mosquito-borne diseases generally cause encephalomyelitis in the horse and can be difficult to diagnose antemortem. In addition to general disease, and diagnostic and treatment aspects, this review article summarizes the latest information on these diseases, covering approximately the past 5 years, with a focus on new equine disease encroachments, diagnostic and vaccination aspects, and possible therapeutics on the horizon.

Manipulation of host factors optimizes the pathogenesis of western equine encephalitis virus infections in mice for antiviral drug development

While alphaviruses spread naturally via mosquito vectors, some can also be transmitted as aerosols making them potential bioterrorism agents. One such pathogen, western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), causes fatal human encephalitis via multiple routes of infection and thus presumably via multiple mechanisms. Although WEEV also produces acute encephalitis in non-human primates, a small animal model that recapitulates features of human disease would be useful for both pathogenesis studies and to evaluate candidate antiviral therapies. We have optimized conditions to infect mice with a low passage isolate of WEEV, thereby allowing detailed investigation of virus tropism, replication, neuroinvasion, and neurovirulence. We find that host factors strongly influence disease outcome, and in particular, that age, gender, and genetic background all have significant effects on disease susceptibility independent of virus tropism or replication within the central nervous system. Our data show that experimental variables can be adjusted in mice to recapitulate disease features known to occur in both non-human primates and humans, thus aiding further study of WEEV pathogenesis and providing a realistic therapeutic window for antiviral drug delivery.

Novel indole-2-carboxamide compounds are potent broad-spectrum antivirals active against western equine encephalitis virus in vivo

Neurotropic alphaviruses, including western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses, cause serious and potentially fatal central nervous system infections in humans for which no currently approved therapies exist. We previously identified a series of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives as novel inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication, using a cell-based phenotypic assay (W. Peng et al., J. Infect. Dis. 199:950-957, 2009, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/597275), and subsequently developed second- and third-generation indole-2-carboxamide derivatives with improved potency, solubility, and metabolic stability (J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 55:3535-3545, 2012, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm300214e; J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 56:9222-9241, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm401330r). In this report, we describe the antiviral activity of the most promising third-generation lead compound, CCG205432, and closely related analogs CCG206381 and CCG209023. These compounds have half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of ∼1 μM and selectivity indices of >100 in cell-based assays using western equine encephalitis virus replicons. Furthermore, CCG205432 retains similar potency against fully infectious virus in cultured human neuronal cells. These compounds show broad inhibitory activity against a range of RNA viruses in culture, including members of the Togaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Picornaviridae, and Paramyxoviridae families. Although their exact molecular target remains unknown, mechanism-of-action studies reveal that these novel indole-based compounds target a host factor that modulates cap-dependent translation. Finally, we demonstrate that both CCG205432 and CCG209023 dampen clinical disease severity and enhance survival of mice given a lethal western equine encephalitis virus challenge. These studies demonstrate that indole-2-carboxamide compounds are viable candidates for continued preclinical development as inhibitors of neurotropic alphaviruses and, potentially, of other RNA viruses. IMPORTANCE There are currently no approved drugs to treat infections with alphaviruses. We previously identified a novel series of compounds with activity against these potentially devastating pathogens (J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 55:3535-3545, 2012, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm300214e; W. Peng et al., J. Infect. Dis. 199:950-957, 2009, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/597275; J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 56:9222-9241, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm401330r). We have now produced third-generation compounds with enhanced potency, and this manuscript provides detailed information on the antiviral activity of these advanced-generation compounds, including activity in an animal model. The results of this study represent a notable achievement in the continued development of this novel class of antiviral inhibitors.

Discovery of potent broad spectrum antivirals derived from marine actinobacteria

Natural products provide a vast array of chemical structures to explore in the discovery of new medicines. Although secondary metabolites produced by microbes have been developed to treat a variety of diseases, including bacterial and fungal infections, to date there has been limited investigation of natural products with antiviral activity. In this report, we used a phenotypic cell-based replicon assay coupled with an iterative biochemical fractionation process to identify, purify, and characterize antiviral compounds produced by marine microbes. We isolated a compound from Streptomyces kaviengensis, a novel actinomycetes isolated from marine sediments obtained off the coast of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, which we identified as antimycin A1a. This compound displays potent activity against western equine encephalitis virus in cultured cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of less than 4 nM and a selectivity index of greater than 550. Our efforts also revealed that several antimycin A analogues display antiviral activity, and mechanism of action studies confirmed that these Streptomyces-derived secondary metabolites function by inhibiting the cellular mitochondrial electron transport chain, thereby suppressing de novo pyrimidine synthesis. Furthermore, we found that antimycin A functions as a broad spectrum agent with activity against a wide range of RNA viruses in cultured cells, including members of the Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, Picornaviridae, and Paramyxoviridae families. Finally, we demonstrate that antimycin A reduces central nervous system viral titers, improves clinical disease severity, and enhances survival in mice given a lethal challenge with western equine encephalitis virus. Our results provide conclusive validation for using natural product resources derived from marine microbes as source material for antiviral drug discovery, and they indicate that host mitochondrial electron transport is a viable target for the continued development of broadly active antiviral compounds.

Optimization of novel indole-2-carboxamide inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication

Neurotropic alphaviruses, which include western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) and Fort Morgan virus, are mosquito-borne pathogens that infect the central nervous system causing acute and potentially fatal encephalitis. We previously reported a novel series of indole-2-carboxamides as alphavirus replication inhibitors, one of which conferred protection against neuroadapted Sindbis virus infection in mice. We describe here further development of this series, resulting in 10-fold improvement in potency in a WEEV replicon assay and up to 40-fold increases in half-lives in mouse liver microsomes. Using a rhodamine123 uptake assay in MDR1-MDCKII cells, we were able to identify structural modifications that markedly reduce recognition by P-glycoprotein, the key efflux transporter at the blood-brain barrier. In a preliminary mouse PK study, we were able to demonstrate that two new analogues could achieve higher and/or longer plasma drug exposures than our previous lead and that one compound achieved measurable drug levels in the brain.