Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of a Novel Class of Transmission Blocking Antimalarials Targeting Male Gametes

J Med Chem. 2020 Mar 12;63(5):2240-2262. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00898. Epub 2019 Sep 20.

Abstract

Malaria is still a leading cause of mortality among children in the developing world, and despite the immense progress made in reducing the global burden, further efforts are needed if eradication is to be achieved. In this context, targeting transmission is widely recognized as a necessary intervention toward that goal. After carrying out a screen to discover new transmission-blocking agents, herein we report our medicinal chemistry efforts to study the potential of the most robust hit, DDD01035881, as a male-gamete targeted compound. We reveal key structural features for the activity of this series and identify analogues with greater potency and improved metabolic stability. We believe this study lays the groundwork for further development of this series as a transmission blocking agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / chemistry*
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Drug Discovery
  • Female
  • Germ Cells / drug effects
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Malaria / drug therapy
  • Malaria / prevention & control
  • Malaria / transmission*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Plasmodium falciparum / cytology
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Antimalarials