Discovery and Optimization of Quinoline Analogues as Novel Potent Antivirals against Enterovirus D68

J Med Chem. 2022 Nov 10;65(21):14792-14808. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01311. Epub 2022 Oct 17.

Abstract

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a nonpolio enterovirus that is mainly transmitted through respiratory routes and poses a potential threat for large-scale spread. EV-D68 infections mostly cause moderate to severe respiratory diseases in children and potentially induce neurological diseases. However, there are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines against EV-D68. Herein, through virtual screening and rational design, a series of novel quinoline analogues as anti-EV-D68 agents targeting VP1 were identified. Particularly, 19 exhibited potent antiviral activity with an EC50 value ranging from 0.05 to 0.10 μM against various EV-D68 strains and showed inhibition of viral replication verified by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and plaque formation assay. Mechanistic studies indicated that the anti-EV-D68 agents work mainly by interacting with VP1. The acceptable bioavailability of 23.9% in rats and significant metabolic stability in human liver microsome (Clint = 10.8 mL/min/kg, t1/2 = 148 min) indicated that compound 19 with a novel scaffold was worth further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Enterovirus D, Human*
  • Enterovirus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Enterovirus*
  • Humans
  • Quinolines* / pharmacology
  • Quinolines* / therapeutic use
  • Rats
  • Respiratory Tract Infections*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Quinolines