Total Synthesis of Melicoptelines C-E: Antiviral Cyclopeptides Containing a Hexahydropyrrolo[2,3- b]indole Moiety

Org Lett. 2022 Aug 19;24(32):6043-6048. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c02339. Epub 2022 Aug 9.

Abstract

Melicoptelines, natural cyclopeptides containing a 3a-hydroxy hexahydropyrrolo[2,3-b]indole (HPI) moiety, exhibit anti-influenza activity. Herein, we report the first total synthesis of melicoptelines C-E (1-3, respectively). The core 3a-hydroxy HPIs were synthesized in a diastereoselective manner from l-tryptophan using dimethyldioxirane-mediated oxidation. Subsequently, sequential peptide couplings and cyclization completed the synthesis of melicoptelines C-E and unnatural melicopteline 4. The synthesized melicoptelines were evaluated for their anti-influenza activity, and melicopteline E showed the most potent inhibition of cytopathic effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • Cyclization
  • Indoles / pharmacology
  • Peptides, Cyclic* / pharmacology
  • Tryptophan

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Indoles
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Tryptophan