Hybrids of 3-Hydroxypyridin-4(1 H)-ones and Long-Chain 4-Aminoquinolines as Potent Biofilm Inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Potentiate Tobramycin and Polymyxin B Activity

J Med Chem. 2024 Sep 26;67(18):16835-16857. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01760. Epub 2024 Sep 17.

Abstract

The biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa involves multiple complex regulatory pathways; thus, blocking a single pathway is unlikely to achieve the desired antibiofilm efficacy. Herein, a series of hybrids of 3-hydroxypyridin-4(1H)-ones and long-chain 4-aminoquinolines were synthesized as biofilm inhibitors against P. aeruginosa based on a multipathway antibiofilm strategy. Comprehensive structure-activity relationship studies identified compound 30b as the most valuable antagonist, which significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa biofilm formation (IC50 = 5.8 μM) and various virulence phenotypes. Mechanistic studies revealed that 30b not only targets the three quorum sensing systems but also strongly induces iron deficiency signals in P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, 30b demonstrated a favorable in vitro and in vivo safety profile. Moreover, 30b specifically enhanced the antibacterial activity of tobramycin and polymyxin B in in vitro and in vivo combination therapy. Overall, these results highlight the potential of 30b as a novel anti-infective candidate for treating P. aeruginosa infections.

MeSH terms

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Biofilms* / drug effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests*
  • Polymyxin B* / chemistry
  • Polymyxin B* / pharmacology
  • Pseudomonas Infections* / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections* / microbiology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa* / drug effects
  • Pyridones / chemical synthesis
  • Pyridones / chemistry
  • Pyridones / pharmacology
  • Quorum Sensing / drug effects
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tobramycin* / chemistry
  • Tobramycin* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Tobramycin
  • Polymyxin B
  • 4-aminoquinoline
  • Pyridones
  • Aminoquinolines