The hinge-engineered IgG1-IgG3 hybrid subclass IgGh47 potently enhances Fc-mediated function of anti-streptococcal and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause invasive disease with high mortality despite adequate antibiotic treatments. To address this unmet need, we have previously generated an opsonic IgG1 monoclonal antibody, Ab25, targeting the bacterial M protein. Here, we engineer the IgG2-4 subclasses of Ab25. Despite having reduced binding, the IgG3 version promotes stronger phagocytosis of bacteria. Using atomic simulations, we show that IgG3's Fc tail has extensive movement in 3D space due to its extended hinge region, possibly facilitating interactions with immune cells. We replaced the hinge of IgG1 with four different IgG3-hinge segment subclasses, IgGhxx. Hinge-engineering does not diminish binding as with IgG3 but enhances opsonic function, where a 47 amino acid hinge is comparable to IgG3 in function. IgGh47 shows improved protection against S. pyogenes in a systemic infection mouse model, suggesting that IgGh47 has promise as a preclinical therapeutic candidate. Importantly, the enhanced opsonic function of IgGh47 is generalizable to diverse S. pyogenes strains from clinical isolates. We generated IgGh47 versions of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs to broaden the biological applicability, and these also exhibit strongly enhanced opsonic function compared to the IgG1 subclass. The improved function of the IgGh47 subclass in two distant biological systems provides new insights into antibody function.

Structure-reactivity analysis of novel hypervalent iodine reagents in S-vinylation of thiols.

The transition-metal free S-vinylation of thiophenols by vinylbenziodoxolones (VBX) constituted an important step forward in hypervalent iodine-mediated vinylations, highlighting the difference to vinyliodonium salts and that the reaction outcome was influenced by the substitution pattern of the benziodoxolone core. In this study, we report several new classes of hypervalent iodine vinylation reagents; vinylbenziodazolones, vinylbenziodoxolonimine and vinyliodoxathiole dioxides. Their synthesis, structural and electronic properties are described and correlated to the S-vinylation outcome, shedding light on some interesting facets of these reagents.

Synthesis of Complex Diarylamines through a Ring-Opening Difunctionalization Strategy.

The diarylation and skeletal diversification of unstrained cyclic amines was exploited to expand and modify the favorable properties of this important substrate class with pivotal roles in drug discovery. Cyclic amines were employed in the synthesis of a novel class of amino-substituted diaryliodonium salts, which were converted to highly functionalized diarylamines through an atom-efficient one-pot N-arylation/ring opening reaction with external nucleophiles. The reaction proceeds through in situ formation of a diarylammonium intermediate that undergoes a nucleophilic ring opening by cleavage of the strong C-N bond. A wide variety of diarylamines was obtained through introduction of two different aryl groups of varied electronics, and the retained iodo-substituent enables downfield diversifications of the products. More than 20 nucleophiles, including amines, phenols, carboxylic acids, thiols and halides, were alkylated with high functional group tolerance, and the strategy proved efficient also in in late-stage functionalization of natural products and pharmaceuticals.

Pathogen-driven degradation of endogenous and therapeutic antibodies during streptococcal infections.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for both local and systemic infections in humans. The molecular mechanisms that contribute to disease heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Here we show that the transition from a local to a systemic GAS infection is paralleled by pathogen-driven alterations in IgG homeostasis. Using animal models and a combination of sensitive proteomics and glycoproteomics readouts, we documented the progressive accumulation of IgG cleavage products in plasma, due to extensive enzymatic degradation triggered by GAS infection in vivo. The level of IgG degradation was modulated by the route of pathogen inoculation, and mechanistically linked to the combined activities of the bacterial protease IdeS and the endoglycosidase EndoS, upregulated during infection. Importantly, we show that these virulence factors can alter the structure and function of exogenous therapeutic IgG in vivo. These results shed light on the role of bacterial virulence factors in shaping GAS pathogenesis, and potentially blunting the efficacy of antimicrobial therapies.

Subclass-switched anti-spike IgG3 oligoclonal cocktails strongly enhance Fc-mediated opsonization.

Antibodies play a central role in the immune defense against SARS-CoV-2. Emerging evidence has shown that nonneutralizing antibodies are important for immune defense through Fc-mediated effector functions. Antibody subclass is known to affect downstream Fc function. However, whether the antibody subclass plays a role in anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity remains unclear. Here, we subclass-switched eight human IgG1 anti-spike monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the IgG3 subclass by exchanging their constant domains. The IgG3 mAbs exhibited altered avidities to the spike protein and more potent Fc-mediated phagocytosis and complement activation than their IgG1 counterparts. Moreover, combining mAbs into oligoclonal cocktails led to enhanced Fc- and complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis, superior to even the most potent single IgG3 mAb when compared at equivalent concentrations. Finally, in an in vivo model, we show that opsonic mAbs of both subclasses can be protective against a SARS-CoV-2 infection, despite the antibodies being nonneutralizing. Our results suggest that opsonic IgG3 oligoclonal cocktails are a promising idea to explore for therapy against SARS-CoV-2, its emerging variants, and potentially other viruses.

ortho-Functionalization of azobenzenes via hypervalent iodine reagents.

ortho-Functionalized azobenzenes are much sought after molecular switches, as they may be tuned to absorb in the visible range of light and the (Z)-isomers can have high thermal half-lives. To enable straightforward access to these targets, we have developed a synthetic route via novel ortho-substituted azobenzene-functionalized diaryliodonium salts. Selective transfer of the azobenzene moiety to O-, N-, C- and S-nucleophiles under mild, transition metal-free conditions gives access to an unprecedented range of ortho-substituted azobenzenes. The photoswitching properties of the reagents were investigated and the structure was determined by X-ray crystallography.

Stereospecific Photoredox-Catalyzed Vinylations to Functionalized Alkenes and C-Glycosides.

We report an efficient radical-mediated C-C coupling through photoredox-catalyzed reactions of 4-alkyl-dihydropyridines (DHPs) and vinylbenziodoxol(on)es (VBX, VBO). This transition-metal-free and mild photocatalytic method has excellent functional group tolerance and affords vinylated products in good yields, with complete retention of the alkene configuration. The utility of the methodology is demonstrated by the diastereoselective synthesis of C-vinyl glycosides. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the C-C bond formation is stereospecific and proceeds through a concerted radical coupling transition state.

Transition-Metal-Free Difunctionalization of Sulfur Nucleophiles.

Efficient protocols for accessing iodo-substituted diaryl and aryl(vinyl) sulfides have been developed using iodonium salts as reactive electrophilic arylation and vinylation reagents. The reactions take place under transition-metal-free conditions, employing odorless and convenient sulfur reagents. A wide variety of functional groups are tolerated in the S-diarylation, enabling the regioselective late-stage application of several heterocycles and drug molecules under mild reaction conditions. A novel S-difunctionalization pathway was discovered using vinyliodonium salts, which proceeds under additive-free reaction conditions and grants excellent stereoselectivity in the synthesis of aryl(vinyl) sulfides. A one-pot strategy combining transition-metal-free diarylation and subsequent reduction provided facile access to electron-rich thioanilines and a direct synthesis of a potential drug candidate derivative. The retained iodo group allows a wide array of further synthetic transformations. Mechanistic insights were elucidated by isolating the key intermediate, and the relevant energy profile was substantiated by DFT calculations.

Synthesis of Cyclic and Acyclic ortho-Aryloxy Diaryliodonium Salts for Chemoselective Functionalizations.

Two regioselective, high-yielding one-pot routes to oxygen-bridged cyclic diaryliodonium salts and ortho-aryloxy-substituted acyclic diaryliodonium salts are presented. Starting from easily available ortho-iodo diaryl ethers, complete selectivity in formation of either the cyclic or acyclic product could be achieved by varying the reaction conditions. The complimentary reactivities of these novel ortho-oxygenated iodonium salts were demonstrated through a series of chemoselective arylations under metal-catalyzed and metal-free conditions, to deliver a range of novel, ortho-functionalized diaryl ether derivatives.

A one-pot cascade protocol for diarylation of amines and water.

N- and O-arylated compounds are prevalent in pharmaceuticals and materials, and efficient approaches for their synthesis are important. Herein, we present an efficient protocol for the diarylation of aliphatic amines and water with two structurally different aryl groups in one single step, yielding highly functionalized diaryl amines and ethers. We describe the synthesis of the required diaryliodonium salts and detail the procedure for the diarylation. The protocol is limited to use of unhindered amines and diaryliodonium salts with certain substituents. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Linde et al. (2022).

Explaining Regiodivergent Vinylations with Vinylbenziodoxolones.

Vinylbenziodoxolones have recently been identified as efficient hypervalent iodine(III) reagents for electrophilic vinylations under transition metal-free conditions. Their unique reactivity allows synthesis of either internal or terminal alkenes, depending on the nucleophile class. This paper constitutes the first mechanistic investigation of VBX vinylations, and makes use of NMR studies, deuterium labelling and computations to rationalize the observed regio- and stereochemical outcome. Internal alkene formation in S-vinylation was found to proceed through the ligand coupling mechanism typical of diaryliodonium salts, whereas terminal alkene formation in P-vinylations took place via a phosphinous acid-coordinated VBX complex, which underwent concerted deprotonation and Michael-type addition. Subsequent base-assisted protonation and E2 elimination delivered the terminal alkene. The findings can be used to predict the regioselectivity in vinylations of other nucleophile classes.

Transition Metal-Free N-Arylation of Amino Acid Esters with Diaryliodonium Salts.

A transition metal-free approach for the N-arylation of amino acid derivatives has been developed. Key to this method is the use of unsymmetric diaryliodonium salts with anisyl ligands, which proved important to obtain high chemoselectivity and yields. The scope includes the transfer of both electron deficient, electron rich and sterically hindered aryl groups with a variety of different functional groups. Furthermore, a cyclic diaryliodonium salt was successfully employed in the arylation. The N-arylated products were obtained with retained enantiomeric excess.

Transition metal-free and regioselective vinylation of phosphine oxides and H-phosphinates with VBX reagents.

A series of phosphine oxides and H-phosphinates were vinylated in the presence of the iodine(iii) reagents vinylbenziodoxolones (VBX), providing the corresponding alk-1-enyl phosphine oxides and alk-1-enyl phosphinates in good yields with complete chemo- and regioselectivity. The vinylation proceeds in open flask under mild and transition metal-free conditions.

Electrophilic Vinylation of Thiols under Mild and Transition Metal-Free Conditions.

The iodine(III) reagents vinylbenziodoxolones (VBX) were employed to vinylate a series of aliphatic and aromatic thiols, providing E-alkenyl sulfides with complete chemo- and regioselectivity, as well as excellent stereoselectivity. The methodology displays high functional group tolerance and proceeds under mild and transition metal-free conditions without the need for excess substrate or reagents. Mercaptothiazoles could be vinylated under modified conditions, resulting in opposite stereoselectivity compared to previous reactions with vinyliodonium salts. Novel VBX reagents with substituted benziodoxolone cores were prepared, and improved reactivity was discovered with a dimethyl-substituted core.

Sustainable Asymmetric Organolithium Chemistry: Enantio- and Chemoselective Acylations through Recycling of Solvent, Sparteine, and Weinreb "Amine".

The well-established Hoppe-Beak chemistry, which involves enantioselective generation of organolithium compounds in the presence of (-)-sparteine, was revisited and applied to unprecedented acylations with Weinreb amides to access highly enantioenriched α-oxyketones and cyclic α-aminoketones. Recycling of the sustainable solvent cyclopentyl methyl ether, sparteine, and the released Weinreb "amine" [HNMe(OMe)] was possible through a simple work-up procedure that enabled full recovery of these precious materials. The methodology features a robust scope and flexibility, thus allowing the enantioselective preparation of scaffolds amenable of further derivatization.

Metal-free formal synthesis of phenoxazine.

A transition metal-free formal synthesis of phenoxazine is presented. The key step of the sequence is a high-yielding O-arylation of a phenol with an unsymmetrical diaryliodonium salt to provide an ortho-disubstituted diaryl ether. This species was cyclized to acetylphenoxazine in moderate yield. The overall yield in the three-step sequence is 72% based on recovered diaryl ether. An interesting, unusually stable iodine(III) intermediate in the O-arylation was observed by NMR and could be converted to the product upon longer reaction time.

Transition metal-free, chemoselective arylation of thioamides yielding aryl thioimidates or N-aryl thioamides.

Reactions of secondary thioamides with diaryliodonium salts under basic, transition metal-free conditions resulted in chemoselective S-arylation to provide aryl thioimidates in good to excellent yields. Equimolar amounts of thioamide, base and diaryliodonium salt were sufficient to obtain a diverse selection of products within short reaction times. Reactions with thiolactams delivered N-arylated thioamides in good yield at room temperature.

Regiospecific N-Arylation of Aliphatic Amines under Mild and Metal-Free Reaction Conditions.

A transition metal-free N-arylation of primary and secondary amines with diaryliodonium salts is presented. Both acyclic and cyclic amines are well tolerated, providing a large set of N-alkyl anilines. The methodology is unprecedented among metal-free methods in terms of amine scope, the ability to transfer both electron-withdrawing and electron-donating aryl groups, and efficient use of resources, as excess substrate or reagents are not required.

Synthesis of Phenols and Aryl Silyl Ethers via Arylation of Complementary Hydroxide Surrogates.

Two transition-metal-free methods to access substituted phenols via the arylation of silanols or hydrogen peroxide with diaryliodonium salts are presented. The complementary reactivity of the two nucleophiles allows synthesis of a broad range of phenols without competing aryne formation, as illustrated by the synthesis of the anesthetic Propofol. Furthermore, silyl-protected phenols can easily be obtained, which are suitable for further transformations.

Competing Pathways in O-Arylations with Diaryliodonium Salts: Mechanistic Insights.

A mechanistic study of arylations of aliphatic alcohols and hydroxide with diaryliodonium salts, to give alkyl aryl ethers and diaryl ethers, has been performed using experimental techniques and DFT calculations. Aryne intermediates have been trapped, and additives to avoid by-product formation originating from arynes have been found. An alcohol oxidation pathway was observed in parallel to arylation; this is suggested to proceed by an intramolecular mechanism. Product formation pathways via ligand coupling and arynes have been compared, and 4-coordinated transition states were found to be favored in reactions with alcohols. Furthermore, a novel, direct nucleophilic substitution pathway has been identified in reactions with electron-deficient diaryliodonium salts.