Discovery of Novel Fungal Lanosterol 14α-Demethylase (CYP51)/Histone Deacetylase Dual Inhibitors to Treat Azole-Resistant Candidiasis

J Med Chem. 2020 May 28;63(10):5341-5359. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00102. Epub 2020 May 9.

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections (particularly candidiasis) are emerging as severe infectious diseases worldwide. Because of serious antifungal drug resistance, therapeutic efficacy of the current treatment for candidiasis is limited and associated with high mortality. However, it is highly challenging to develop novel strategies and effective therapeutic agents to combat drug resistance. Herein, the first generation of lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51)-histone deacetylase (HDAC) dual inhibitors was designed, which exhibited potent antifungal activity against azole-resistant clinical isolates. In particular, compounds 12h and 15j were highly active both in vitro and in vivo to treat azole-resistant candidiasis. Antifungal mechanism studies revealed that they acted by blocking ergosterol biosynthesis and HDAC catalytic activity in fungus, suppressing the function of efflux pump, yeast-to-hypha morphological transition, and biofilm formation. Therefore, CYP51-HDAC dual inhibitors represent a promising strategy to develop novel antifungal agents against azole-resistant candidiasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Azoles / pharmacology*
  • Azoles / therapeutic use
  • Candida albicans / drug effects
  • Candida albicans / physiology
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy
  • Candidiasis / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome P450 Family 51 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P450 Family 51 / chemistry
  • Cytochrome P450 Family 51 / metabolism
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / drug effects*
  • Drug Resistance, Fungal / physiology
  • Female
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Sterol 14-Demethylase / chemistry
  • Sterol 14-Demethylase / metabolism*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors
  • Azoles
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Cytochrome P450 Family 51
  • Sterol 14-Demethylase