A Broad Anti-influenza Hybrid Small Molecule That Potently Disrupts the Interaction of Polymerase Acidic Protein-Basic Protein 1 (PA-PB1) Subunits

J Med Chem. 2015 May 14;58(9):3830-42. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00012. Epub 2015 Apr 20.

Abstract

In continuing our efforts to identify small molecules able to disrupt the interaction of the polymerase acidic protein-basic protein 1 (PA-PB1) subunits of influenza virus (Flu) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, this paper is devoted to the optimization of a dihydrotriazolopyrimidine derivative, previously identified through structure-based drug discovery. The structure modifications performed around the bicyclic core led to the identification of compounds endowed with both the ability to disrupt PA-PB1 subunits interaction and anti-Flu activity with no cytotoxicity. Very interesting results were obtained with the hybrid molecules 36 and 37, designed by merging some peculiar structural features known to impart PA-PB1 interaction inhibition, with compound 36 that emerged as the most potent PA-PB1 interaction inhibitor (IC50 = 1.1 μM) among all the small molecules reported so far. Calculations showed a very favored H-bonding between the 2-amidic carbonyl of 36 and Q408, which seems to justify its potent ability to interfere with the interaction of the polymerase subunits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Dogs
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects*
  • Influenza B virus / drug effects*
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology
  • Protein Subunits / metabolism
  • Pyrimidines / chemical synthesis
  • Pyrimidines / chemistry*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Triazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Triazoles / chemistry*
  • Triazoles / pharmacology
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • PA protein, influenza viruses
  • Protein Subunits
  • Pyrimidines
  • Triazoles
  • Viral Proteins
  • influenza virus polymerase basic protein 1
  • Oseltamivir
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase