Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response mediated by excessive production of diverse inflammatory cytokines, remains the vital cause of morality in the intensive care unit (ICU). TLR4-MD2 (toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiation factor 2) complex activated by LPS serves as an effective target to decrease the inflammation during sepsis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a new small molecule Z20 structural based on (2S, 3R, 4S)-chromene-3-carboxamide on LPS-induced sepsis in mice. We found Z20 markedly improved the survival rate and attenuated the multiply organs injury after LPS administration in mice. In addition, Z20 significantly alleviated organ inflammation as characterized by diminished inflammatory factors expression in vivo. Furthermore, by employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiment, we identified that TLR4-MD2 complex was the potential target for Z20. Finally, we performed the safety assessment experiment to confirm the safety of Z20 in vivo. In conclusion, Z20, as a potential TLR4-MD2 inhibitor, effectively attenuated LPS-induced organ injury and inflammation.
Keywords: TLR4-MD2; anti-inflammation; inflammatory cytokine; organ injury; sepsis.