Abstract
Inhibition of the receptor tyrosine kinase MerTK by small molecules has the potential to augment the immune response to tumors. Potent, selective inhibitors with high levels of in vivo target engagement are needed to fully evaluate the potential use of MerTK inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. We report the discovery and optimization of a series of pyrazinamide-based type 1.5 MerTK inhibitors bearing an azetidine-benzoxazole substituent. Compound 31 potently engages the target in vivo and demonstrates single agent activity in the immune-driven MC-38 murine syngeneic tumor model.
MeSH terms
-
Animals
-
Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
-
Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
-
Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
-
Azetidines* / chemical synthesis
-
Azetidines* / chemistry
-
Azetidines* / pharmacokinetics
-
Azetidines* / pharmacology
-
Benzoxazoles* / chemical synthesis
-
Benzoxazoles* / chemistry
-
Benzoxazoles* / pharmacokinetics
-
Benzoxazoles* / pharmacology
-
Cell Line, Tumor
-
Drug Discovery
-
Humans
-
Mice
-
Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / chemical synthesis
-
Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / chemistry
-
Protein Kinase Inhibitors* / pharmacology
-
Structure-Activity Relationship
-
c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase* / antagonists & inhibitors
-
c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase* / metabolism
Substances
-
Azetidines
-
Benzoxazoles
-
c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase
-
Protein Kinase Inhibitors
-
azetidine
-
Antineoplastic Agents