Backbone modifications in peptidic inhibitors of flaviviral proteases

Alexander K M H Jakob; Tom R Sundermann; Christian D Klein

doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.05.054

Backbone modifications in peptidic inhibitors of flaviviral proteases

Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2019 Aug 1;29(15):1913-1917. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.05.054. Epub 2019 May 28.

Authors

Alexander K M H Jakob¹, Tom R Sundermann¹, Christian D Klein²

Affiliations

¹ Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
² Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Electronic address: c.klein@uni-heidelberg.de.

PMID: 31176698
DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.05.054

Abstract

The NS2B-NS3 protease is a promising target for the development of drugs against dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV) and related flaviviruses. We report the systematic variation of the peptide backbone of the two lead compounds Bz-Arg-Lys-d-Phg-NH₂ and Bz-Arg-Lys-d-Phg(OBn)-NH₂. While inhibitory activity against WNV protease was generally decreased, the inhibitory potency against DENV protease could be conserved and increased in several peptidomimetics, particularly in those containing a (NMe)arginine fragment or an N-terminal α-keto amide. Methylation at the α-position of the C-terminal phenylglycine led to a 6-fold higher potency against DENV protease. Peptidomimetics with modified backbone showed increased resistance against hydrolytic attack by trypsin and α-chymotrypsin.

Keywords: Dengue; Flavivirus; Peptidomimetics; Protease inhibitor; West Nile fever.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Flavivirus / drug effects*
Humans
Molecular Structure
Peptidomimetics / pharmacology
Peptidomimetics / therapeutic use*
Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology
Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

Peptidomimetics
Protease Inhibitors