Discovery of a Novel Potent Tetrazole Antifungal Candidate with High Selectivity and Broad Spectrum

J Med Chem. 2024 Apr 25;67(8):6238-6252. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02188. Epub 2024 Apr 10.

Abstract

Thirty-one novel albaconazole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previous work. All compounds exhibited potent in vitro antifungal activities against seven pathogenic fungi. Among them, tetrazole compound D2 was the most potent antifungal with MIC values of <0.008, <0.008, and 2 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively, the three most common and critical priority pathogenic fungi. In addition, compound D2 also exhibited potent activity against fluconazole-resistant C. auris isolates. Notably, compound D2 showed a lower inhibitory activity in vitro against human CYP450 enzymes as well as a lower inhibitory effect on the hERG K+ channel, indicating a low risk of drug-drug interactions and QT prolongation. Moreover, with improved pharmacokinetic profiles, compound D2 showed better in vivo efficacy than albaconazole at reducing fungal burden and extending the survival of C. albicans-infected mice. Taken together, compound D2 will be further investigated as a promising candidate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antifungal Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antifungal Agents* / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Aspergillus fumigatus / drug effects
  • Candida albicans* / drug effects
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Cryptococcus neoformans* / drug effects
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetrazoles* / chemical synthesis
  • Tetrazoles* / chemistry
  • Tetrazoles* / pharmacokinetics
  • Tetrazoles* / pharmacology
  • Tetrazoles* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Tetrazoles
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System