Bruna K. P. Sousa, Melina Mottin, Donald Seanego, Christopher D. Jurisch, Beatriz S. A. Rodrigues, Verônica L. S. da Silva, Milene Aparecida Andrade, Gilberto S. Morais Junior, Diogo F. Boerin, Thamires Q. Froes, Flávia Nader Motta, M. Cristina Nonato, Izabela D. M. Bastos, Kelly Chibale, Richard K. Gessner and Carolina Horta Andrade*,
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly challenged global public health, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic options. This study focuses on the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which is a critical enzyme for viral polyprotein processing, maturation, and immune evasion. We employed a combined approach that began with computational models in a virtual screening campaign, prioritizing compounds from our in-house chemical library against PLpro. Out of 81 virtual hits evaluated through enzymatic and biophysical assays, we identified a modest inhibitor featuring a naphthyridine core with an IC50 of 73.61 μM and a Ki of 22 μM. Expanding our exploration, we synthesized and assessed 30 naphthyridine analogues, three of which emerged as promising noncovalent, nonpeptidomimetic inhibitors with IC50 values between 15.06 and 51.81 μM. Furthermore, in vitro ADMET assays revealed these compounds to possess moderate aqueous solubility, low cytotoxicity, and high microsomal stability, making them excellent candidates for further development targeting SARS-CoV-2 PLpro.
期刊介绍:
ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters is interested in receiving manuscripts that discuss various aspects of medicinal chemistry. The journal will publish studies that pertain to a broad range of subject matter, including compound design and optimization, biological evaluation, drug delivery, imaging agents, and pharmacology of both small and large bioactive molecules. Specific areas include but are not limited to:
Identification, synthesis, and optimization of lead biologically active molecules and drugs (small molecules and biologics)
Biological characterization of new molecular entities in the context of drug discovery
Computational, cheminformatics, and structural studies for the identification or SAR analysis of bioactive molecules, ligands and their targets, etc.
Novel and improved methodologies, including radiation biochemistry, with broad application to medicinal chemistry
Discovery technologies for biologically active molecules from both synthetic and natural (plant and other) sources
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies that address mechanisms underlying drug disposition and response
Pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic studies used to enhance drug design and the translation of medicinal chemistry into the clinic
Mechanistic drug metabolism and regulation of metabolic enzyme gene expression
Chemistry patents relevant to the medicinal chemistry field.