Discovery of C-1 modified oseltamivir derivatives as potent influenza neuraminidase inhibitors

Eur J Med Chem. 2018 Feb 25:146:220-231. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.01.050. Epub 2018 Feb 4.

Abstract

Inspired by our initial discovery about a series of neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors targeting the 150-cavity, in present study, we designed, synthesized, and biologically tested a panel of novel oseltamivir derivatives with C-1 modification, targeting the 430-cavity, an additional binding site which widely and stably existed in both group-1 and group-2 NAs. Some of the synthesized compounds displayed robust anti-influenza potencies against H5N1 and H5N6 viruses. Among them, compound 8b exerted the greatest inhibition, with IC50 values of 0.088 and 0.097 μM and EC50 values of 4.26 and 1.31 μM against H5N1 and H5N6 strains, respectively, which are similar to those of oseltamivir carboxylate (OSC). And its potency against mutant H5N1-H274Y NA was just 7-fold weaker than OSC. Molecular modeling revealed the elongated group at C-1 position being projected toward the 430-cavity. Notably, although compound 8b was not sensitive toward H5N1 strain relative to OSC in the embryonated egg model, it displayed greater anti-influenza virus effect against H5N6 strain than OSC at the concentration of 10 mmol/L. Overall, this work provided unique insights in the discovery of potent inhibitors against both group-1 and group-2 NAs.

Keywords: 430-Cavity; Embryonated egg model; Influenza virus; Neuraminidase inhibitors; Oseltamivir derivatives.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antiviral Agents / chemistry
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Chick Embryo / drug effects
  • Chick Embryo / virology
  • Chickens
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemical synthesis
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype / drug effects*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neuraminidase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Neuraminidase / metabolism
  • Oseltamivir / chemical synthesis
  • Oseltamivir / chemistry
  • Oseltamivir / pharmacology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Oseltamivir
  • Neuraminidase