In this study, a library of in-house small molecule was screened using a HCV cell-based assay and a compound (1) containing an N-protected indole scaffold (NINS) was identified as a novel anti-HCV inhibitor. Through structure activity relationship (SAR) study, it was observed that the racemic inhibitor (10m) displayed good anti-HCV activity (EC50 = 1.02 ± 0.10 μM) with the excellent selectivity index (SI = 45.56). Interestingly, R-enantiomer ((R)-10m) showed better anti-HCV activity and lower cytotoxicity than S-enantiomer ((S)-10m). (R)-10m gave the best anti-HCV potency (EC50 = 0.72 ± 0.09 μM) with the highest selectivity index (SI > 69.44). In addition, the mechanism of action study of NINS derivatives demonstrated that NINS derivatives interfere with the early step (viral entry) of the HCV life cycle.
Keywords: Chiral effect; Hepatitis C virus (HCV); Indole derivatives; Structure–activity relationship (SAR) study.
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