Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis That Promote PD-L1 Internalization and Degradation

J Med Chem. 2022 Mar 10;65(5):3879-3893. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01682. Epub 2022 Feb 21.

Abstract

Several monoclonal antibodies targeting the programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway have been used successfully in anticancer immunotherapy. Inherent limitations of antibody-based therapies remain, however, and alternative small-molecule inhibitors that can block the PD-1/PD-L1 axis are urgent needed. Herein, we report the discovery of compound 17 as a bifunctional inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. 17 inhibits PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and promotes dimerization, internalization, and degradation of PD-L1. 17 promotes cell-surface PD-L1 internalized into the cytosol and induces the degradation of PD-L1 in tumor cells through a lysosome-dependent pathway. Furthermore, 17 suppresses tumor growth in vivo by activating antitumor immunity. These results demonstrate that 17 targets the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and induces PD-L1 degradation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B7-H1 Antigen* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • CD274 protein, human
  • PDCD1 protein, human
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor