Recent findings from solid state NMR (ssNMR) studies suggested that the (R)-enantiomer of rimantadine binds to the full M2 protein with higher affinity than the (S)-enantiomer. Intrigued by these findings, we applied functional assays, such as antiviral assay and electrophysiology (EP), to evaluate the binding affinity of rimantadine enantiomers to the M2 protein channel. Unexpectedly, no significant difference was found between the two enantiomers. Our experimental data based on the full M2 protein function were further supported by alchemical free energy calculations and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) allowing an evaluation of the binding affinity of rimantadine enantiomers to the M2TM pore. Both enantiomers have similar channel blockage, affinity, and antiviral potency.
Keywords: Bennett’s acceptance ratio; Rimantadine enantiomers; antiviral assay; electrophysiology; free energy perturbation; influenza M2 pore; isothermal titration calorimetry; membrane protein; synthesis.