Amphiphilic Heparinoids as Potent Antiviral Agents against SARS-CoV-2

J Med Chem. 2024 Jul 25;67(14):11885-11916. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00487. Epub 2024 Jul 12.

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel series of heparinoid amphiphiles as inhibitors of heparanase and SARS-CoV-2. By employing a tailor-made synthetic strategy, a library of highly sulfated homo-oligosaccharides bearing d-glucose or a C5-epimer (i.e., l-idose or l-iduronic acid) conjugated with various lipophilic groups was synthesized and investigated for antiviral activity. Sulfated higher oligosaccharides of d-glucose or l-idose with lipophilic aglycones displayed potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 and antiheparanse activity, similar to or better than pixatimod (PG545), and were more potent than their isosteric l-iduronic acid congeners. Lipophilic groups such as cholestanol and C18-aliphatic substitution are more advantageous than functional group appended lipophilic moieties. These findings confirm that fine-tuning of higher oligosaccharides, degree of sulfation, and lipophilic groups can yield compounds with potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Antiviral Agents* / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents* / pharmacology
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Glucuronidase
  • Humans
  • Oligosaccharides / chemical synthesis
  • Oligosaccharides / chemistry
  • Oligosaccharides / pharmacology
  • SARS-CoV-2* / drug effects
  • Saponins
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • heparanase
  • Oligosaccharides
  • PG 545
  • Glucuronidase
  • Saponins