7H-Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4-amines as Potential Inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases

Abstract

A series of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines were designed in silico as potential bumped kinase inhibitors targeting P. falciparum calcium dependent protein kinase 4 (PfCDPK4), with the potential to inhibit PfCDPK1 based on earlier studies of the two kinases. A small series of these compounds were prepared and assessed for inhibitory activity against PfCDPK4 and PfCDPK1 in vitro. Four of the compounds displayed promising inhibitory activity against either PfCDPK4 (IC₅₀ =0.210-0.530 μM), or PfCDPK1 (IC₅₀ =0.589 μM). These data will enable optimisation of the molecular model to better predict inhibitory activity against PfCDPK4.

Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum; biological activity; calcium-dependent protein kinases; nitrogen heterocycles; pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine.