Lead Optimization of Influenza Virus RNA Polymerase Inhibitors Targeting PA-PB1 Interaction

J Med Chem. 2022 Jan 13;65(1):369-385. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01527. Epub 2021 Dec 14.

Abstract

Influenza viruses are responsible for contagious respiratory illnesses in humans and cause seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics worldwide. Previously, we identified a quinolinone derivative PA-49, which inhibited the influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by targeting PA-PB1 interaction. This paper reports the structure optimization of PA-49, which resulted in the identification of 3-((dibenzylamino)methyl)quinolinone derivatives with more potent anti-influenza virus activity. During the optimization, the hit compound 89, which was more active than PA-49, was identified. Further optimization and scaffold hopping of 89 led to the most potent compounds 100 and a 1,8-naphthyridinone derivative 118, respectively. We conclusively determined that compounds 100 and 118 suppressed the replication of influenza virus and exhibited anti-influenza virus activity against both influenza virus types A and B in the range of 50% effective concentration (EC50) = 0.061-0.226 μM with low toxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) >10 μM).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / toxicity
  • Cell Line
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Dogs
  • Drug Design
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / drug effects
  • Influenza B virus / drug effects
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Orthomyxoviridae / drug effects*
  • Orthomyxoviridae / enzymology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases