An Agonist Radioligand for the Proinflammatory Lipid-Activated G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR84 Providing Structural Insights

J Med Chem. 2020 Mar 12;63(5):2391-2410. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01339. Epub 2019 Nov 27.

Abstract

The orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) GPR84 is expressed on immune cells mediating proinflammatory and immunostimulatory effects. In this study, we prepared the fully efficacious, nonbiased GPR84 agonist 6-hexylamino-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione (6) in tritium-labeled form ([3H]PSB-1584) by hydrogenation of a hexenyl-substituted precursor with tritium gas. The radioligand was characterized by kinetic, saturation, and competition assays using membranes of Chinese hamster ovary cells recombinantly expressing the human GPR84. [3H]6 reversibly labeled the receptor with high affinity (KD 2.08 nM). Structurally diverse orthosteric and allosteric ligands, including newly designed and synthesized compounds, were studied in competition binding assays. A homology model of GPR84 was generated to perform docking studies rationalizing the experimental data. The radioligand was additionally used for labeling GPR84 in native cells and tissues. [3H]6 constitutes the first GPR84 agonist radioligand representing a powerful tool for this poorly investigated GPCR, which has potential as a future drug target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding, Competitive
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetulus
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Pyrimidinones / chemistry*
  • Pyrimidinones / pharmacology*
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Tritium / chemistry
  • Tritium / pharmacology

Substances

  • GPR84 protein, human
  • Pyrimidinones
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Tritium