Development of N-Terminally Modified Variants of the CXCR4-Antagonistic Peptide EPI-X4 for Enhanced Plasma Stability

J Med Chem. 2023 Nov 23;66(22):15189-15204. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01128. Epub 2023 Nov 8.

Abstract

EPI-X4, a natural peptide CXCR4 antagonist, shows potential for treating inflammation and cancer, but its short plasma stability limits its clinical application. We aimed to improve the plasma stability of EPI-X4 analogues without compromising CXCR4 antagonism. Our findings revealed that only the peptide N-terminus is prone to degradation. Consequently, incorporating d-amino acids or acetyl groups in this region enhanced peptide stability in plasma. Notably, EPI-X4 leads 5, 27, and 28 not only retained their CXCR4 binding and antagonism but also remained stable in plasma for over 8 h. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that these modified analogues bind similarly to CXCR4 as the original peptide. To further increase their systemic half-lives, we conjugated these stabilized analogues with large polymers and albumin binders. These advances highlight the potential of the optimized EPI-X4 analogues as promising CXCR4-targeted therapeutics and set the stage for more detailed preclinical assessments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Albumins / metabolism
  • Amines / metabolism
  • HIV Infections*
  • HIV-1* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Albumins
  • Amines
  • CXCR4 protein, human