Structure-Based Optimization of Quinazolines as Cruzain and Tbr CATL Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2021 Sep 9;64(17):13054-13071. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01151. Epub 2021 Aug 30.

Abstract

The cysteine proteases, cruzain and TbrCATL (rhodesain), are therapeutic targets for Chagas disease and Human African Trypanosomiasis, respectively. Among the known inhibitors for these proteases, we have described N4-benzyl-N2-phenylquinazoline-2,4-diamine (compound 7 in the original publication, 1a in this study), as a competitive cruzain inhibitor (Ki = 1.4 μM). Here, we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of 22 analogs of 1a, containing modifications in the quinazoline core, and in the substituents in positions 2 and 4 of this ring. The analogs demonstrate low micromolar inhibition of the target proteases and cidal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi with up to two log selectivity indices in counterscreens with myoblasts. Fourteen compounds were active against Trypanosoma brucei at low to mid micromolar concentrations. During the optimization of 1a, structure-based design and prediction of physicochemical properties were employed to maintain potency against the enzymes while removing colloidal aggregator characteristics observed for some molecules in this series.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cysteine Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protozoan Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Trypanosoma brucei brucei / drug effects*
  • Trypanosoma cruzi / drug effects*

Substances

  • Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • rhodesain
  • cruzipain