On the basis of structure-based bioisosteric replacement and molecular hybridization strategy, a series of novel dual structural-conformation inhibitors targeting the "entrance channel" of HIV-1 NNRTIs binding pocket (NNIBP) were designed and synthesized. All of the new compounds were evaluated for their anti-HIV activities in MT-4 cells using the MTT method. Five compounds exhibited moderate to excellent potencies inhibiting wild-type (wt) HIV-1 replication with EC50 values ranging from 31.36 μM to 0.11 μM. Among them, compound 15b was identified as the most potent inhibitor with EC50 values of 0.11 μM and 2.18 μM against wt and K103N/Y181C double mutant HIV-1 strain (RES056), respectively. In addition, preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) and molecular simulation studies were discussed, which may provide valuable insights for further optimization.
Keywords: DAPY derivatives; Dual structural conformations; Entrance channel; HIV-1 NNRTIs; SARs.
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