Identification and Characterization of a Novel Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 Protein Degrader for Glioblastoma

J Med Chem. 2022 Dec 8;65(23):15642-15662. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00771. Epub 2022 Nov 21.

Abstract

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a potent immunosuppressive enzyme that inhibits the antitumor immune response through both tryptophan metabolism and non-enzymatic functions. To date, most IDO1-targeted approaches have focused on inhibiting tryptophan metabolism. However, this class of drugs has failed to improve the overall survival of patients with cancer. Here, we developed and characterized proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that degrade the IDO1 protein. IDO1-PROTACs were tested for their effects on IDO1 enzyme and non-enzyme activities. After screening a library of IDO1-PROTAC derivatives, a compound was identified that potently degraded the IDO1 protein through cereblon-mediated proteasomal degradation. The IDO1-PROTAC: (i) inhibited IDO1 enzyme activity and IDO1-mediated NF-κB phosphorylation in cultured human glioblastoma (GBM) cells, (ii) degraded the IDO1 protein within intracranial brain tumors in vivo, and (iii) mediated a survival benefit in mice with well-established brain tumors. This study identified and characterized a new IDO1 protein degrader with therapeutic potential for patients with glioblastoma.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase*
  • Mice
  • Proteolysis Targeting Chimera
  • Tryptophan

Substances

  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase
  • Tryptophan
  • Proteolysis Targeting Chimera