Optimization of small-molecule inhibitors of influenza virus polymerase: from thiophene-3-carboxamide to polyamido scaffolds

J Med Chem. 2014 May 22;57(10):4337-50. doi: 10.1021/jm500300r. Epub 2014 May 9.

Abstract

Influenza virus infections represent a serious concern to public health, being characterized by high morbidity and significant mortality. To date, compounds targeting the viral ion-channel M2 or the viral neuraminidase are the drugs available for treatment of influenza, but the emergence of drug-resistant viral mutants renders the search for novel targets and their possible inhibitors a major priority. Recently, we demonstrated that the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) complex can be an optimal target of protein-protein disruption by small molecules, with thiophene-3-carboxamide derivatives emerging as promising candidates for the development of new anti-influenza drugs with broad-spectrum activity. Here, we report a further dissection of the thiophene-3-carboxamide structure. By using a GRID molecular interaction field (MIF)-based scaffold-hopping approach, more potent and nontoxic polyamido derivatives were identified, highlighting a new space in the chemical variability of RdRP inhibitors. Finally, a possible pharmacophoric model highlighting the key features required for RdRP inhibition is proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Dogs
  • Drug Design
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Orthomyxoviridae / drug effects*
  • Orthomyxoviridae / enzymology
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Thiophenes / chemical synthesis*
  • Thiophenes / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Thiophenes
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase