Genetic Engineering in Combination with Semi-Synthesis Leads to a New Route for Gram-Scale Production of the Immunosuppressive Natural Product Brasilicardin A

Brasilicardin A (1) consists of an unusual anti/syn/anti-perhydrophenanthrene skeleton with a carbohydrate side chain and an amino acid moiety. It exhibits potent immunosuppressive activity, yet its mode of action differs from standard drugs that are currently in use. Further pre-clinical evaluation of this promising, biologically active natural product is hampered by restricted access to the ready material, as its synthesis requires both a low-yielding fermentation process using a pathogenic organism and an elaborate, multi-step total synthesis. Our semi-synthetic approach included a) the heterologous expression of the brasilicardin A gene cluster in different non-pathogenic bacterial strains producing brasilicardin A aglycone (5) in excellent yield and b) the chemical transformation of the aglycone 5 into the trifluoroacetic acid salt of brasilicardin A (1 a) via a short and straightforward five-steps synthetic route. Additionally, we report the first preclinical data for brasilicardin A.

4-Methylpseudoproline analogues of cyclolinopeptide A: Synthesis, structural analysis and evaluation of their suppressive effects in selected immunological assays

The synthesis of new analogues of cyclolinopeptide A (CLA) and their linear precursors modified with (R)- and (S)-4-methylpseudoproline in the Pro³-Pro⁴ fragment are presented. The peptides were tested in comparison with cyclosporine A (CsA) in concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-induced mouse splenocyte proliferation and in secondary humoral immune response in vitro to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). Their effects on expression of selected signaling molecules in the Jurkat T cell line were also determined. In addition, the structural features of the peptides, applying nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism, were analyzed. The results showed that only peptides 7 and 8 modified with (R)-4-methylpseudoproline residue (c(Leu¹-Val²-(R)-(αMe)Ser(ΨPro)³-Pro⁴-Phe⁵-Phe⁶-Leu⁷-Ile⁸-Ile⁹) and c(Leu¹-Val²-Pro³-(R)-(αMe)Ser(ΨPro)⁴-Phe⁵-Phe⁶-Leu⁷-Ile⁸-Ile⁹), respectively) strongly suppressed mitogen-induced splenocyte proliferation and the humoral immune response, with peptide 8 being more potent. Likewise, peptide 8 more strongly elevated expression of Fas, a proapoptotic signaling molecule in Jurkat cells. We postulate that the increased biological activity of peptide 8, compared to the parent molecule and other studied peptides, resulted from its more flexible structure, found on the basis of both CD and NMR studies. CD and NMR spectra showed that replacement of Pro³ by (R)-(αMe)Ser(¬Pro) caused much greater conformational changes than the same replacement of the Pro⁴ residue. Such a modification could lead to increased conformational freedom of peptide 8, resulting in a greater ability to adopt a more compact structure, better suited to its putative receptor. In conclusion, peptide 8 is a potent immune suppressor which may find application in controlling immune disorders.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Celastrol Derivatives as Potential Immunosuppressive Agents

Celastrol, a friedelane-type triterpenoid isolated from the genus Triperygium, possesses antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive activities. A total of 42 celastrol derivatives (1a-1t, 2a-2l, and 3a-3j) were synthesized and evaluated for their immunosuppressive activities. Compounds 2a-2e showed immunosuppressive effects, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 25 to 83 nM, and weak cytotoxicity (CC₅₀ > 1 μM). Compound 2a, with a selectivity index value 31 times higher than that of celastrol, was selected as a lead compound. Further research showed that 2a exerted its immunosuppressive effects by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cytokine secretion via Lck- and ZAP-70-mediated signaling pathways.

Enhanced immunosuppressive effects of 3,5-bis[4(diethoxymethyl)benzylidene]-1-methyl-piperidin-4-one, an α, β-unsaturated carbonyl-based compound as PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles

Background: 3,5-Bis[4-(diethoxymethyl)benzylidene]-1-methyl-piperidin-4-one (BBP), a novel synthetic curcumin analogue has been revealed to possess strong in vitro and in vivo immunosuppressive effects. Purpose: The aim of present study was to prepare and characterize BBP-encapsulated polylactic-co-glycolic acid-block-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-b-PEG) nanoparticles and to evaluate its in vivo efficacy against innate and adaptive immune responses. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were orally administered with BBP alone and BBP- encapsulated nanoparticles equivalent to 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of BBP in distilled water for a period of 14 days. The immunomodulatory potential was appraised by determining its effects on non-specific and specific immune parameters. Results: The results showed that BBP was successfully encapsulated in PLGA-b-PEG polymer with 154.3 nm size and high encapsulation efficiency (79%) while providing a sustained release for 48 hours. BBP nanoparticles showed significant enhanced dose-dependent reduction on the migration of neutrophils, Mac-1 expression, phagocytic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, serum levels of ceruloplasmin and lysozyme, immunoglobulins and myloperoxidase (MPO) plasma levels when compared to unencapsulated BBP. Enhanced dose-dependent inhibition was also observed on lymphocyte proliferation along with the downregulation of effector cells expression and release of cytokines, and reduction in rat paw oedema in BBP nanoparticles treated mice. At higher doses the suppressive effects of the BBP nanoparticles on various cellular and humoral parameters of immune responses were comparable to that of cyclosporine-A at 20 mg/kg. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the immunosuppressive effects of BBP were enhanced as PLGA-b-PEG nanoparticles.

Simplified immunosuppressive and neuroprotective agents based on gracilin A

The architecture and bioactivity of natural products frequently serve as embarkation points for the exploration of biologically relevant chemical space. Total synthesis followed by derivative synthesis has historically enabled a deeper understanding of structure-activity relationships. However, synthetic strategies towards a natural product are not always guided by hypotheses regarding the structural features required for bioactivity. Here, we report an approach to natural product total synthesis that we term 'pharmacophore-directed retrosynthesis'. A hypothesized, pharmacophore of a natural product is selected as an early synthetic target and this dictates the retrosynthetic analysis. In an ideal application, sequential increases in the structural complexity of this minimal structure enable development of a structure-activity relationship profile throughout the course of the total synthesis effort. This approach enables the identification of simpler congeners retaining bioactivity at a much earlier stage of a synthetic effort, as demonstrated here for the spongiane diterpenoid, gracilin A, leading to simplified derivatives with potent neuroprotective and immunosuppressive activity.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of new mycophenolic acid conjugates with adenosine derivatives

New conjugates of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and adenosine derivatives were synthesized and assessed as potential immunosuppressants on Jurkat cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors. As compared to MPA, all compounds were found to be more active against Jurkat cell line. The antiproliferative activities were compared with MPA and adenosine, in both 2',3'-O-isopropylidene protected and free hydroxyl groups possessing forms. The obtained results were also discussed in terms of selectivity index, defined as SI = IC₅₀/EC₅₀.

Determination of the mitigating effect of colon-specific bioreversible codrugs of mycophenolic acid and aminosugars in an experimental colitis model in Wistar rats

AIM

To design colon-targeted codrugs of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and aminosugars as a safer option to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Codrugs were synthesized by coupling MPA with aminosugars (D-glucosamine and D-galactosamine) using EDCI coupling. The structures were confirmed by infrared radiation, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The release profile of codrugs was extensively studied in aqueous buffers, upper gastrointestinal homogenates, faecal matter and caecal homogenates (in vitro) and rat blood (in vitro). Anti-colitic activity was assessed in 2,4,6-trinitrobezenesulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats by the estimation of various demarcating parameters. Statistical evaluation was performed by applying one-way and two-way ANOVA when compared with the disease control.

RESULTS

The prodrugs resisted activation in HCl buffer (pH 1.2) and stomach homogenates of rats with negligible hydrolysis in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and intestinal homogenates. Incubation with colon homogenates (in vitro) produced 76% to 89% release of MPA emphasizing colon-specific activation of codrugs and the release of MPA and aminosugars at the site of action. In the in vitro studies, the prodrug of MPA with D-glucosamine (MGLS) was selected which resulted in 68% release of MPA in blood. in vitro studies on MGLS revealed its colon-specific activation after a lag time of 8 h which could be ascribed to the hydrolytic action of N-acyl amidases found in the colon. The synthesized codrugs markedly diminished disease activity score and revived the disrupted architecture of the colon that was comparable to MMF but superior to MPA.

CONCLUSION

The significant attenuating effect of prodrugs and individual aminosugars on colonic inflammation proved that the rationale of the codrug approach is valid.

Total synthesis of periploside A, a unique pregnane hexasaccharide with potent immunosuppressive effects

Periploside A is a pregnane hexasaccharide identified from the Chinese medicinal plant Periploca sepium, which features a unique seven-membered formyl acetal bridged orthoester (FABO) motif and potent immunosuppressive activities. Here, we show the synthesis of this molecule in a total of 76 steps with the longest linear sequence of 29 steps and 9.2% overall yield. The FABO motif is constructed via a combination of Sinaÿ's and Crich's protocol for the formation of orthoester and acetal glycosides, respectively. The 2-deoxy-β-glycosidic linkages are assembled stereoselectively with judicious choice of the glycosylation methods. The epimer at the spiro-quaternary carbon in the FABO motif has also been elaborated in a stereo-controlled manner. This epimer, as well as the synthetic analogues bearing the FABO motif, retain largely the inhibitory activities of periploside A against the proliferation of T-lymphocyte, indicating the importance of the chemical connection of the FABO motif to their immunosuppressive activity.

[Synthesis and immunosuppressive effects of novel phthalazine ketone derivatives]

A series of phthalazine ketone compounds were synthesized and the structures were confirmed by H NMR and HR-MS spectrum. All target compounds were obtained through 7 steps, including selective reduction, nitration, bromination, ring enlargement, reduction, Knoevenagel and acylated reaction. The compounds were evaluated for their immunosuppressive effects of T-cell proliferation and inhibitory activity of IMPDH type II in vitro, as well as their structure-activity relationship were assessed. Several compounds exhibited strong immunosuppressive properties, especially compounds 7f and 7h, with IC50 values of 0.093 micromol x L(-1) and 0.14 micromol x L(-1) respectively, which were superior to mycophenolic acid. The information obtained from the studies may be useful for further research on the immunosuppressive agents.

Synthesis and application of (13)C-labeled 2-acetyl-4-((1R,2S,3R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazole (THI), an immunosuppressant observed in caramel food colorings

2-Acetyl-4-((1R,2S,3R)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)imidazole (THI) is a minor toxic contaminant observed in caramel food colorings and was shown to exert immunosuppressant activity when fed to rodents. Because of this toxicity, maximum levels of THI in caramel food colorings have been defined by international and European authorities. Several reports of THI analysis using external standardization have been published for liquid foods such as beers and soft drinks. However, no suitable internal standard has yet been described allowing THI analysis in more complex samples. In this paper we describe the preparation of a labeled [(13)C6]THI analogue and its application for the successful validation of the first stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) of THI in caramel food colorings. A brief survey of THI levels in commercially available caramel class III (E 150c) and IV (E 150d) food colorings is also included, corroborating that THI occurs only in caramel class III food colorings.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of chalcone oxime derivatives as potential immunosuppressive agents

A series of deoxybenzoin oximes were recently reported as potent immunosuppressive agents by our group. In order to continue the original research for potential immunosuppressive agents with high efficacy and low toxicity, we synthesized a series of new chalcone oximes and evaluated them for their cytotoxicities and immunosuppressive activities. Among the synthesized compounds, chalcone oximes 25 and 27 exhibited lower cytotoxicities and higher inhibitory activities on anti-CD3/anti-CD28 co-stimulated lymph node cells than other compounds. Specially, compound 27 displayed 200-fold lower cytotoxicity (CC(50)=2174.39 μM) than cyclosporin A (CC(50)=10.10 μM) and showed SI value (SI=176.69) close to cyclosporin A (SI=154.13). Besides, the preliminary mechanism of inhibition effect of compounds 25 and 27 was also detected by flow cytometry, and the compounds exerted immunosuppressive activities via inducing the apoptosis of activated lymph node cells in a dose dependent manner. Also, the deep mechanism of apoptosis was detected by Western blot analysis.

[Progress in the study of some important natural bioactive cyclopeptides]

Natural cyclopeptides are hot spots in chemical and pharmaceutical fields because of the wide spreading bio-resources, complex molecular structures and various bioactivities. Bio-producers of cyclopeptides distribute over almost every kingdom from bacteria to plants and animals. Many cyclopeptides contain non-coded amino acids and non-pepditic bonds. Most exciting characteristic of cyclopeptides is a range of interesting bioactivities such as antibiotics gramicidin-S (2), vancomycin (3) and daptomycin (4), immunosuppressive cyclosporin-A (1) and astin-C (8), and anti-tumor aplidine (5), RA-V (6) and RA-VII (7). Compounds 1-4 are being used in clinics; compounds 5-8 are in the stages of clinical trial or as a candidate for drug research. In this review, the progress in chemical and bioactive studies on these important natural bioactive cyclopeptides 1-8 are introduced, mainly including discovery, bioactivity, mechanism, QSAR and synthesis.

A novel immunosuppressory peptide originating from the ubiquitin sequence

Ubiquitin is a conservative polypeptide present in every eukaryotic cell. Apart from its involvement in proteasomal degradation and other intracellular signal pathways, it was suggested to play an important role as the extracellular immunomodulator and antimicrobial agent. Moreover, ubiquitin-derived peptides were shown to express significant biological activities. Our previous studies showed a high immunosuppressive potency of the ubiquitin peptic hydrolysate in which we identified over 70 different peptides. The present work focuses on synthesizing the most abundant of these peptides and investigating their immunomodulatory potency. The peptide VKTLTGKTI possessed the highest immunosuppressory activity in AFC experiments, comparable to the previously described LEDGRTLSDY sequence (a previously discovered ubiquitin-derived peptide). Moreover, some of the investigated peptides expressed immunostimulatory effects. These findings support the idea that ubiquitin, together with products of its degradation, could represent a self-regulating immunoregulatory system. Peptide VKTLTGKTI was also tested for its activity to prolong the skin graft survival in mice. The results showed that the investigated peptide significantly extended the skin transplant rejection time, therefore it could be considered as a potential supplementary medicine in the post-transplantation therapy. Moreover, we synthesized two analogs of investigated peptides, first designed to mimic the non-linear epitope consisting of ubiquitin 16-21 and ubiquitin 52-57 fragments, and second designed to mimic the ubiquitin 5-13 hairpin. We also tested their immunosuppressory activity in in vitro experiments.

Total synthesis of a depsidomycin analogue by convergent solid-phase peptide synthesis and macrolactonization strategy for antitubercular activity

Depsidomycin is a cyclic heptadepsi-peptide isolated from the cultured broth of Streptomyces lavendofoliae MI951-62F2. It exhibits significant antimicrobial and immunosuppressive activity. The total synthesis of a depsidomycin analogue in which 1,2-piperazine-3-carboxylic acid was substituted with proline is described. After several trials using different strategies, the desired depsidomycin analogue was obtained via stepwise synthesis starting by the amino acid 'head' and macrolactonization under Yamaguchi conditions. The cyclic depsipeptide was evaluated to have an minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 µg/ml against H37RV and 16 µg/ml against MDR clinical strains of MTB (MDR-MTB), while the linear precursor 8 also had MICs of 4 and 16 µg/ml for the susceptible and resistant strains, respectively.

Fingolimod (FTY720): a recently approved multiple sclerosis drug based on a fungal secondary metabolite

Fingolimod (Gilenya; FTY720), a synthetic compound based on the fungal secondary metabolite myriocin (ISP-I), is a potent immunosuppressant that was approved (September 2010) by the U.S. FDA as a new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod was synthesized by the research group of Tetsuro Fujita at Kyoto University in 1992 while investigating structure-activity relationships of derivatives of the fungal metabolite ISP-I, isolated from Isaria sinclairii. Fingolimod becomes active in vivo following phosphorylation by sphingosine kinase 2 to form fingolimod-phosphate, which binds to extracellular G protein-coupled receptors, sphingosine 1-phosphates, and prevents the release of lymphocytes from lymphoid tissue. Fingolimod is orally active, which is unique among current first-line MS therapies, and it has the potential to be used in the treatment of organ transplants and cancer. This review highlights the discovery and development of fingolimod, from an isolated lead natural product, through synthetic analogues, to an approved drug.

Identification of a potent Janus kinase 3 inhibitor with high selectivity within the Janus kinase family

We describe a synthetic approach toward the rapid modification of phenyl-indolyl maleimides and the discovery of potent Jak3 inhibitor 1 with high selectivity within the Jak kinase family. We provide a rationale for this unprecedented selectivity based on the X-ray crystal structure of an analogue of 1 bound to the ATP-binding site of Jak3. While equally potent compared to the Pfizer pan Jak inhibitor CP-690,550 (2) in an enzymatic Jak3 assay, compound 1 was found to be 20-fold less potent in cellular assays measuring cytokine-triggered signaling through cytokine receptors containing the common γ chain (γC). Contrary to compound 1, compound 2 inhibited Jak1 in addition to Jak3. Permeability and cellular concentrations of compounds 1 and 2 were similar. As Jak3 always cooperates with Jak1 for signaling, we speculate that specific inhibition of Jak3 is not sufficient to efficiently block γC cytokine signal transduction required for strong immunosuppression.

Synthesis and characterization of an epimer of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug

8-Epitacrolimus (2), a new l-pipecolic acid macrolide lactone, was obtained by base-catalyzed epimerization of tacrolimus (FK-506, 1), an important immunosuppressive drug, and its structure determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The compound was fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The epimer is of importance due to its potential biological effects as well as because of its possible formation during formulation, handling, and use of tacrolimus products.

New insights into T cell biology and T cell-directed therapy for autoimmunity, inflammation, and immunosuppression

T cell-directed therapies have become mainstays in the management of various autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation. The understanding of T cell biology has expanded greatly since the development of most agents currently in use. Here we discuss important recent discoveries pertaining to T helper cell differentiation, lineage commitment, and function. Within this context, we examine existing T cell-directed therapies, including new agents being evaluated in clinical and preclinical studies. We also use recent findings to speculate on novel targets.

Synthesis of orthogonally reactive FK506 derivatives via olefin cross metathesis

Chemical inducers of dimerization (CIDs) are employed in a wide range of biological applications to control protein localization, modulate protein-protein interactions and improve drug lifetimes. These bifunctional chemical probes are assembled from two synthetic modules, which each provide affinity for a distinct protein target. FK506 and its derivatives are often employed as modules in the syntheses of these bifunctional constructs, owing to the abundance and favorable distribution of their target, FK506-binding protein (FKBP). However, the structural complexity of FK506 necessitates multi-step syntheses and/or multiple protection-deprotection schemes prior to installation into CIDs. In this work, we describe an efficient, one-step synthesis of FK506 derivatives through a selective, microwave-accelerated, cross metathesis diversification step of the C39 terminal alkene. Using this approach, FK506 is modified with an array of functional groups, including primary amines and carboxylic acids, which make the resulting derivatives suitable for the modular assembly of CIDs. To illustrate this idea, we report the synthesis of a heterobifunctional HIV protease inhibitor.

Synthesis, immunological activity and computational study of 5-amino-3-methyl-4-isoxazolecarboxylic acid semicarbazides and thiosemicarbazides

A series of 5-amino-3-methyl-4-isoxazolecarboxylic acid semicarbazides and thiosemicarbazides (M1-M9) were obtained by reacting 5-amino-3-methyl-4-isoxazolecarboxylic acid hydrazide with isocyanate and isothiocyanate. In order to determine structure-activity relationships for the series of nine compounds (M1-M9) geometry optimization was carried out using quantum-chemical DFT calculations at B3LYP/6-31g* level. The compounds, administered to mice at 1 microg or 10 microg doses, four hours prior to immunization with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC), significantly suppressed the primary, humoral immune response in mice as measured by the number of antibody-forming cells (AFC) in the spleens. Structure/activity relationships, regarding the studied compounds, were discussed.

[Synthesis and immunotropic activity of methyl esters of 2-alkylaminomethylene-3-oxolup-20(29)-en-28-ic acids]

New lupane beta-enaminoketones were synthesized by interaction of methyl 2-hydroxymethylene-3-oxolup-20(29)-en-28-oate with aliphatic amines. Immunotropic activity was found for some of these compounds.

Reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat kidney by FTY720, a synthetic derivative of sphingosine

BACKGROUND

The current shortage of organ donors has led many centers to use marginal and nonheart-beating donors (NHBDs). Recent research has implicated the infiltration of lymphocytes as an important mediator of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). FTY720 is an immunosuppressant that promotes lymphocyte sequestration into lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential for FTY720 to abrogate IRI when subjected to increasing ischemic times.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral flank incision with removal of the right kidney and clamping of the left hilum. Groups were divided into ischemia times of 45, 55, and 65min; each group was further divided into a control group (IRI only), IRI+FTY720 (1 mg/kg/d), and IRI+cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/d), n=4 per group.

RESULTS

Thre days after 45 min of ischemia, serum creatinine in the ischemia only (477+/-37 micromol/L) and cyclosporine groups (698+/-32 micromol/L) was significantly increased compared with the FTY720-treated animals (194+/-66 micromol/L). The beneficial effect of FTY720 was also observed at 55 and 65 min; indeed, FTY720-treated animals demonstrated signs of recovery from 65 min of ischemia whereas control and cyclosporine-treated animals required sacrifice between days 3 and 5. Treatment with FTY720 reduced renal damage assessed histologically and also reduced apoptosis and increased cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with FTY720 reduced IRI and prevented unrecoverable acute renal failure after significant ischemic injury. This study suggests that FTY720 may help improve the quality of grafts from NHBD and marginal donors by abrogating the IRI insult.

Synthesis and immunosuppressive activity of new artemisinin derivatives. Part 2: 2-[12(beta or alpha)-dihydroartemisinoxymethyl(or 1'-ethyl)]phenoxyl propionic acids and esters

Another series of novel dihydroartemisinin derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their cytotoxicity of lymphocyte, inhibitory activity on mitogen-induced spleen lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. Some of the compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on ConA-induced T cell and LPS-induced B cell proliferation comparable to or more potent than parent artemisinin.

Studies on a total synthesis of the microbial immunosuppresive agent FR901483

A strategy is outlined for construction of the fungal immunosuppressant FR901483 (1). It was possible to convert 1,4-cyclohexanedione monoethylene ketal in five simple steps to iodoacetamide ketone 10, which was cyclized in good yield to the key bridged keto lactam 11 containing the A/B 2-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane ring system of the natural product. This intermediate could be transformed to N-Boc lactam 16, whose derived enolate underwent stereoselective hydroxylation with the Davis oxaziridine to produce alcohol 17 having the desired C-2 configuration. Compound 17 was then converted in three steps to alkoxy carbamate 20. The N-acyliminium ion derived from intermediate 20 could be alkylated in good overall yield with p-methoxybenzylmagnesium chloride to afford a 5:4 mixture of the desired PMB product 21 and the epimer 23. In an attempt to improve the stereoselectivity in this alkylation, the inverted C-4 protected alcohol N-Boc lactam 33 was prepared and its enolate was hydroxylated. Inexplicably, the product of this reaction was the undesired equatorial alcohol 34. Some model systems were investigated toward annulation of the C-ring of the natural product. It was found that homoallylic amine 40 could be cyclized with PhSCl in the presence of silica gel to generate the desired 5-endo tetracyclic product 42 in moderate yield. This cyclization protocol was also successfully applied to the actual FR901483 system 22, leading to the requisite tricycle 43.

[Synthesis and immunomodulating activity of new glycopeptides of glycyrrhizic acid containing residues of L-glutamic acid]

New glycopeptides of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) containing Glu residues and their alpha-methyl esters, gamma-methyl esters, and alpha,gamma-dimethyl esters were synthesized using N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in the presence of N-hydroxybenzotriazole or N-hydroxysuccinimide. Formation of amide bonds was observed on all the three COOH groups of GA, or selectively on the COOH groups of the GA carbohydrate part in dependence on the ratio of reagents and the reaction conditions. The GA glycopeptide with three residues of Glu(OH)-OMe at a dose of 2 mg/kg stimulated the production of antibody-forming cells in mouse spleen in comparison with the control. The GA glycopeptide containing Glu residues only in the GA carbohydrate part turned out to be an immunosuppressor. The glycopeptide of the 30-methyl ester of GA with residues of free Glu in its carbohydrate part increased the hemagglutinine titer at oral doses of 2 and 10 mg/kg. All the studied compounds had practically no effect on the delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice.

Discovery and synthesis of new immunosuppressive alkaloids from the stem of Fissistigma oldhamii (Hemsl.) Merr

Three new alkaloids (1-3) and twenty-one known compounds were isolated from the stem of Fissistigma oldhamii (Hemsl.) Merr. which was the ruler herb in an approved Traditional Chinese herbal formula used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in China and synthesis of one new immunosuppressive alkaloid was achieved. These compounds, including the crude extracts of this herb, exhibited strong activities in the inhibition of T and B cell proliferation.

Highly selective and potent agonists of sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 (S1P1) receptor

Novel series of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonists were developed through a systematic SAR aimed to achieve high selectivity for a single member of the S1P family of receptors, S1P1. The optimized structure represents a highly S1P1-selective and efficacious agonist: S1P1/S1P2, S1P1/S1P3, S1P1/S1P4>10,000-fold, S1P1/S1P5>600-fold, while EC50 (S1P1) <0.2 nM. In vivo experiments are consistent with S1P1 receptor agonism alone being sufficient for achieving desired lymphocyte-lowering effect.

Catalytic Asymmetric Assembly of Stereodefined Propionate Units: An Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)-Pironetin

Double diastereoselection in alkaloid-catalyzed acyl halide-aldehyde cyclocondensation (AAC) reactions provides a strategy for realizing syn- or anti-selective propionate aldol additions from a common reaction manifold. Matched AAC homologation of enantioenriched aldehydes afford cis-disubstituted beta-lactones as surrogates for syn aldols; the mismatched AAC reactions provide anti-selective aldols in the form of trans-disubstituted 2-oxetanones. The utility of this reaction technology in synthesis activities is exemplified in a catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-pironetin.

Induction of promotive rather than suppressive immune responses from a novel NKT cell repertoire Vα19 NKT cell with α-mannosyl ceramide analogues consisting of the immunosuppressant ISP-I as the sphingosine unit

A 2-substituted 2-aminopropane-1,3-diol or 2-aminoethanol is the minimum structure required for the immunosuppressive activity of ISP-I, an antibiotic isolated from the culture broth of Isaria sinclairil. A series of alpha-mannosyl ceramide (alpha-ManCer) analogues was derived from 2-substituted 2-aminopropane-1,3-diols or 2-aminoethanols in place of sphingosine. The newly synthesized glycosides were evaluated for their effects on immune responses. In contrast to the immunosuppressive activity of the precursors, the alpha-ManCer analogues induced immunopromotive responses from invariant Valpha19-Jalpha26 transgenic mouse lymphocytes more effectively than the original alpha-ManCer. Collectively, it is strongly suggested that the 2-substituted 2-aminopropane-1,3-diols and 2-aminoethanols mimic sphingosine in the alpha-ManCer analogues so that they potentially acquire specific antigenicity toward Valpha19 NKT cell, a novel NKT cell subset.

Total synthesis of cyclic tetrapeptide FR235222, a potent immunosuppressant that inhibits mammalian histone deacetylases

[structure: see text] The total synthesis of FR235222, a potent immunosuppressant with in vivo activities, has been achieved. The key steps include assembling its (2S,9R)-2-amino-9-hydroxy-8-oxodecanoic acid residue via an olefin cross-metathesis of a methyl (R)-lactate-derived homoallyl ketone with protected allyl amino acid and constructing its trans-(2R,4S)-4-methylproline unit from protected (R)-pyroglutamic acid in seven steps.

A new class of blockers of the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 via modification of the 4- or 7-position of khellinone

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.3 constitutes an attractive target for the selective suppression of effector memory T cells in autoimmune diseases. We have previously reported the natural product khellinone, 1a, as a versatile lead molecule and identified two new classes of Kv1.3 blockers: (i) chalcone derivatives of khellinone, and (ii) khellinone dimers linked through the 6-position. Here we describe the multiple parallel synthesis of a new class of khellinone derivatives selectively alkylated at either the 4- or 7-position via the phenolic OH and show that several chloro, bromo, methoxy, and nitro substituted benzyl derivatives inhibit Kv1.3 with submicromolar potencies. Representative examples of the most potent compounds from each subclass, 11m (5-acetyl-4-(4'-chloro)benzyloxy-6-hydroxy-7-methoxybenzofuran) and 14m (5-acetyl-7-(4'-bromo)benzyloxy-6-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzofuran), block Kv1.3 with EC50 values of 480 and 400 nM, respectively. Both compounds exhibit moderate selectivity over other Kv1-family channels and HERG, are not cytotoxic, and suppress human T cell proliferation at low micromolar concentrations.

A Photoreactive Analogue of the Immunosuppressant FTY720

An azido group was incorporated into the immunomodulatory agent FTY720, accomplishing the first synthesis of a photoactivatable analogue of this ligand (2) in 9 steps from 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanol and in 34% overall yield. The key steps are formation of a primary amine at a quaternary center of aniline derivative 13 followed by selective diazotization of the arylamine.

[Synthesis and immunosuppressive activity of new artemisinin derivatives containing polyethylene glycol group]

AIM

To search for new artemisinin derivatives with higher immunosuppressive activity.

METHODS

Two kinds of new artemisinin derivatives containing polyethylene glycol group were synthesized from dihydroartemisinin via condensation and esterification. These compounds were assayed for their inhibitory activity on ConA-induced T cell proliferation and LPS-induced B cell proliferation.

RESULTS

Twenty three new compounds (2a - 2f, 3a - 3d, 4a - 4f, 6a, 6b and 7a - 7g) were synthesized and identified by 1H NMR and elemental analysis.

CONCLUSION

These compounds had immunosuppressive activity in vitro. Among them, the symmetrical substituted compound 2 and 6 had higher activity than mono-substituted compound 3, 4 and 7. Especially, compounds 2a - 2f remarkably exhibited higher inhibition in comparison with artemisinin and artesunate.

Synthesis and immunosuppressive activity of l-rhamnopyranosyl flavonoids

Astilbin, a flavonoid isolated from different plants, shows diverse biological activities. This paper reports the synthesis and immunosuppressive activity of seven analogues of astilbin, which may shed light on the structure-activity relationship of the compounds. The following glycosyl flavonoids, 6-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxyflavanone (20), 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxyflavone (22), 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxyflavanone (24), 3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxychromanone (26), 4-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxychromanol (27), 7-hydroxy-3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxyflavanone (30) and 4'-hydroxy-3-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxyflavanone (32) were prepared respectively by glycosylation of 6-hydroxyflavanone (1), 3-hydroxyflavone (2), 3-hydroxyflavanone (5), 3-hydroxychromanone (8), 4-chromanol (9), 7-benzyloxy-3-hydroxyflavanone (12), 4'-benzyloxy-3-hydroxyflavanone (15). Among them, compounds 5, 8, 12 and 15 were synthesized from flavanone (3), 4-chromanone (6), 7-hydroxyflavanone (10) and 4'-hydroxyflavanone (13) respectively. Similar to astilbin (4), compounds 22, 24, 26, 30 and 32 significantly inhibited the single mixed lymphocytes reaction (sMLR) and enhanced the apoptosis of spleen cells isolated from mice with sheep red blood cell-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity respectively. However, compound 20 only showed a slight tendency to inhibit sMLR at higher concentration. Both compounds 20 and 27 did not influence the cell apoptosis. These data suggest that the following factors play essential roles in determining the biological activity of the flavonoids: the position at which the sugar is linked to the flavone, the presence of carbonyl on C-4 and phenol hydroxyl group in A or B ring. However, the presence of a B ring is unfavorable for the biological activity and the double bond at C2-C3 in C-ring shows little effect on the activity.

Design of noninflammatory synthetic siRNA mediating potent gene silencing in vivo

Targeted silencing of disease-associated genes by synthetic short interfering RNA (siRNA) holds considerable promise as a novel therapeutic strategy. However, unmodified siRNA can be potent triggers of the innate immune response, particularly when associated with delivery vehicles that facilitate intracellular uptake. This represents a significant barrier to the therapeutic development of siRNA due to toxicity and off-target gene effects associated with this inflammatory response. Here we show that immune stimulation by synthetic siRNA can be completely abrogated by selective incorporation of 2'-O-methyl (2'OMe) uridine or guanosine nucleosides into one strand of the siRNA duplex. These noninflammatory siRNA, containing less than 20% modified nucleotides, can be readily generated without disrupting their gene-silencing activity. We show that, coupled with an effective systemic delivery vehicle, 2'OMe-modified siRNA targeting apolipoprotein B (apoB) can mediate potent silencing of its target mRNA, causing significant decreases in serum apoB and cholesterol. This is achieved at therapeutically viable siRNA doses without cytokine induction, toxicity, or off-target effects associated with the use of unmodified siRNA. This approach to siRNA design and delivery should prove widely applicable and represents an important step in advancing synthetic siRNA into a broad range of therapeutic areas.

SAR, species specificity, and cellular activity of cyclopentene dicarboxylic acid amides as DHODH inhibitors

Novel DHODH inhibitors were developed based on a previously described series by introduction of heteroatoms into the cyclopentene ring and hydroxyl groups attached to it. Also, the hydrophobic biphenyl side chain was replaced with benzyloxy phenyl groups. Activities on human, rat, and mouse enzymes indicate a species specificity of these inhibitors.

Synthesis of 4(5)-phenylimidazole-based analogues of sphingosine-1-phosphate and FTY720: discovery of potent S1P1 receptor agonists

The novel immunosuppressant FTY720 has been demonstrated to elicit immunomodulating effects via interaction with the G-protein coupled receptor S1P(1). FTY720 induced agonism at the S1P(3) receptor, however, has been shown to result in mild bradycardia, a minor side-effect of initial FTY720 therapy. This report describes the synthesis of several potent 4(5)-phenylimidazole-based S1P(1) receptor agonists that are accompanied by poor agonist activity at S1P(3). For instance, compound 20 displayed an EC(50)=4.7+/-1.3 nM at the S1P(1) receptor and EC(50)=780+/-1.3 nM at the S1P(3) receptor using a [gamma-(35)S]GTP-binding assay as compared to phospho-FTY720 (S1P(1): EC(50)=1.3+/-1.3nM, S1P(3): EC(50)=2.0+/-2.4 nM).

Discovery of Potent 3,5-Diphenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole Sphingosine-1-phosphate-1 (S1P1) Receptor Agonists with Exceptional Selectivity against S1P2 and S1P3

A class of 3,5-diphenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole based compounds have been identified as potent sphingosine-1-phosphate-1 (S1P1) receptor agonists with minimal affinity for the S1P2 and S1P3 receptor subtypes. Analogue 26 (S1P1 IC50 = 0.6 nM) has an excellent pharmacokinetics profile in the rat and dog and is efficacious in a rat skin transplant model, indicating that S1P3 receptor agonism is not a component of immunosuppressive efficacy.

Design of PAP-1, a selective small molecule Kv1.3 blocker, for the suppression of effector memory T cells in autoimmune diseases

The lymphocyte K+ channel Kv1.3 constitutes an attractive pharmacological target for the selective suppression of terminally differentiated effector memory T (TEM) cells in T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, none of the existing small-molecule Kv1.3 blockers is selective, and many of them, such as correolide, 4-phenyl-4-[3-(methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-2-azapropyl]cyclohexanone, and our own compound Psora-4 inhibit the cardiac K+ channel Kv1.5. By further exploring the structure-activity relationship around Psora-4 through a combination of traditional medicinal chemistry and whole-cell patch-clamp, we identified a series of new phenoxyalkoxypsoralens that exhibit 2- to 50-fold selectivity for Kv1.3 over Kv1.5, depending on their exact substitution pattern. The most potent and "drug-like" compound of this series, 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy)psoralen (PAP-1), blocks Kv1.3 in a use-dependent manner, with a Hill coefficient of 2 and an EC50 of 2 nM, by preferentially binding to the C-type inactivated state of the channel. PAP-1 is 23-fold selective over Kv1.5, 33- to 125-fold selective over other Kv1-family channels, and 500- to 7500-fold selective over Kv2.1, Kv3.1, Kv3.2, Kv4.2, HERG, calcium-activated K+ channels, Na+,Ca2+, and Cl- channels. PAP-1 does not exhibit cytotoxic or phototoxic effects, is negative in the Ames test, and affects cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes only at micromolar concentrations. PAP-1 potently inhibits the proliferation of human TEM cells and suppresses delayed type hypersensitivity, a TEM cell-mediated reaction, in rats. PAP-1 and several of its derivatives therefore constitute excellent new tools to further explore Kv1.3 as a target for immunosuppression and could potentially be developed into orally available immunomodulators.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)-Candelalide A, a Novel Blocker of the Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Kv1.3 for an Immunosuppressive Agent

A convergent route to (-)-candelalide A involved the union of a trans-decalin portion (AB ring) and a gamma-pyrone moiety through the C16-C3' bond to assemble the whole carbon framework and subsequent formation of the dihydropyran ring (C ring) as the crucial steps. A strategic [2,3]-Wittig rearrangement was employed for establishing the stereogenic center at C9 and an exo-methylene function at C8 present in the decalin portion. [reaction: see text]

High-affinity small molecule inhibitors of T cell costimulation: compounds for immunotherapy

Costimulatory molecules are important regulators of T cell activation and thus favored targets for therapeutic manipulation of immune responses. One of the key costimulatory receptors is CD80, which binds the T cell ligands, CD28, and CTLA-4. We describe a set of small compounds that bind with high specificity and low nanomolar affinity to CD80. The compounds have relatively slow off-rates and block both CD28 and CTLA-4 binding, implying that they occlude the shared ligand binding site. The compounds inhibit proinflammatory cytokine release in T cell assays with submicromolar potency, and as such, they represent promising leads for the development of novel therapeutics for immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Our results also suggest that other predominantly beta proteins, such as those that dominate the cell surface, may also be accessible as potentially therapeutic targets.

Synthesis and Immunosuppressive Activity of New Artemisinin Derivatives. 1. [12(β or α)-Dihydroartemisininoxy]phen(ox)yl Aliphatic Acids and Esters

A series of novel dihydroartemisinin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated on their immunosuppressive activity in the search for potential immunosuppressive agents with high efficacy and low toxicity. These compounds were assayed in their cytotoxicity of lymphocyte, inhibition activity on concanavalin A (ConA) induced T cell proliferation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced B cell proliferation. Among them, 11b, 13b, 14d, 15b, 16, and 17 remarkably exhibited lower cytotoxicity and higher inhibition activity on the mitogen-induced T cell and B cell proliferation in comparison with artemisinin, artesunate, and artemether in vitro. More significantly, compound 11b displayed reduced cytotoxicity by over 100-fold compared with cyclosporin A (CsA) and comparable inhibition activity (SI = 848) on ConA-induced T cell proliferation to CsA (SI = 963) and more than 4000 times the inhibitory effect (SI = 28473) on LPS-induced B cell proliferation compared with CsA (SI = 7) in vitro. The in vivo experimental results showed that compound 16 could inhibit 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) induced antibody production, respectively. The structure and activity relationships (SAR) of these compounds were also discussed.

Analogues of cyclolinopeptide A containing alpha-hydroxymethyl amino acid residues

Linear and cyclic cyclolinopeptide A (CLA) analogues containing alpha-hydroxymethylleucine (HmL) in positions 1, 4, and 1&4, and alpha-hydroxymethylvaline (HmV) in position 5, were synthesized by the solid-phase peptide strategy and cyclized with the 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide/1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole (EDC/HOAt) reagent. The peptides were examined for their immunosuppressive activity in the lymphocyte proliferation assays (LPA). Only HmL-containing peptides demonstrated at about 25% lower immunosuppressive activity, but they are four times more soluble in water solutions than the native CLA. It seems from the LPA results that peptide [(HmL4)CLA] is the most promising for further studies. This peptide was characterized in solution, at room temperature in CDCl3, and the conformation compared with that observed for CLA in the solid state.

Synthetic Iminosugar Derivatives as New Potential Immunosuppressive Agents

Several iminosugar derivatives were synthesized, and their effects on the secretion of IL-4 and IFN-gamma from the mouse splenocytes were examined. The effects on membrane expression of other T cell-associated molecules (CD3, CD4, CD8) and B cell-associated molecules (CD19) were also investigated. The experimental data demonstrated that synthetic iminosugars hold potential as immunosuppressive agents.

A proinflammatory peptide from herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein G affects neutrophil, monocyte, and NK cell functions

We have identified a synthetic peptide derived from the secreted portion of HSV type 2 glycoprotein G, denoted gG-2p20, which has proinflammatory properties in vitro. The gG-2p20 peptide, corresponding to aa 190-205 of glycoprotein G-2, was a chemoattractant for both monocytes and neutrophils in a dose-dependent fashion, and also induced the release of reactive oxygen from these cells. The receptor mediating the responses was identified as the formyl peptide receptor. The gG-2p20-induced activation of phagocytes had a profound impact on NK cell functions. The reactive oxygen species produced by gG-2p20-activated phagocytes both inhibited NK cell cytotoxicity and accelerated the apoptotic cell death in NK cell-enriched lymphocyte populations. Hence, we have for the first time been able to identify a potential function of the secreted portion of HSV-2 glycoprotein G. We propose that the proinflammatory gG-2p20 peptide identified could contribute to a reduced function and viability of NK cells during HSV-2 infection due to its ability to recruit and activate phagocytic cells.

Synthesis, stereochemical determination and biochemical characterization of the enantiomeric phosphate esters of the novel immunosuppressive agent FTY720

The novel immunosuppressive agent FTY720 (1) is phosphorylated in vivo in a variety of species yielding an active metabolite that is an agonist of four of the five known G-protein-coupled sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors. A synthesis amenable to producing gram quantities of the stereoisomeric phosphate esters, a determination of their absolute stereochemistry via an enantioselective synthesis and their characterization as S1P receptor agonists and antagonists is reported.

Total Synthesis of an Immunosuppressive Glycolipid, (2S,3S,4R)-1-O- (α-d-Galactosyl)-2- tetracosanoylamino-1,3,4-nonanetriol

[reaction: see text] A practical and efficient total synthesis of (2S,3S,4R)-1-O-(alpha-d-galactosyl)-2-tetracosanoylamino-1,3,4-nonanetriol, OCH 1b, a potential therapeutic candidate for Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases, is described. The synthesis incorporates direct alkylation onto epoxide 5 and stereospecific halide ion catalyzed alpha-glycosidation reaction. A key intermediate 10 was obtained in only eight steps and 37% overall yield from commercially available d-arabitol 2, and the total synthesis of 1b was accomplished in 12 steps and 19% overall yield. This method will enable the synthesis of a variety of phytosphingolipids, especially that with the shorter sphingosine side chain than 1a, in a highly stereoselective manner.