Synthesis, Optimization, and Structure-Activity Relationships of Imidazo[1,2- a]pyrimidines as Inhibitors of Group 2 Influenza A Viruses

J Med Chem. 2022 Oct 27;65(20):14104-14120. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01329. Epub 2022 Oct 19.

Abstract

The influenza A virus (IAV) is a highly contagious virus that causes pandemics and seasonal epidemics, which are major public health issues. Current anti-influenza therapeutics are limited partly due to the continuous emergence of drug-resistant IAV strains; thus, there is an unmet need to develop novel anti-influenza therapies. Here, we present a novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine scaffold that targets group 2 IAV entry. We have explored three different regions of the lead compound, and we have developed a series of small molecules that have nanomolar activity against oseltamivir-sensitive and -resistant forms of group 2 IAVs. These small molecules target hemagglutinin (HA), which mediates the viral entry process. Mapping a known small-molecule-binding cavity of the HA structure with resistant mutants suggests that these molecules bind to that cavity and block HA-mediated membrane fusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / metabolism
  • Hemagglutinins
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus* / metabolism
  • Influenza, Human* / drug therapy
  • Oseltamivir
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Oseltamivir
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
  • Hemagglutinins
  • Pyrimidines
  • Antiviral Agents