Epitope-Targeted Macrocyclic Peptide Ligand with Picomolar Cooperative Binding to Interleukin-17F.

The IL-17 cytokine family is associated with multiple immune and autoimmune diseases and comprises important diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This work reports the development of epitope-targeted ligands designed for differential detection of human IL-17F and its closest homologue IL-17A. Non-overlapping and unique epitopes on IL-17F and IL-17A were identified by comparative sequence analysis of the two proteins. Synthetic variants of these epitopes were utilized as targets for in situ click screens against a comprehensive library of synthetic peptide macrocycles with 5-mer variable regions. Single generation screens yielded selective binders for IL-17F and IL-17A with low cross-reactivity. Macrocyclic peptide binders against two distinct IL-17F epitopes were coupled using variable length chemical linkers to explore the physical chemistry of cooperative binding. The optimized linker length yielded a picomolar affinity binder, while retaining high selectivity. The presented method provides a rational approach towards targeting discontinuous epitopes, similar to what is naturally achieved by many B cell receptors.

Protein catalyzed capture agents with tailored performance for in vitro and in vivo applications.

We report on peptide-based ligands matured through the protein catalyzed capture (PCC) agent method to tailor molecular binders for in vitro sensing/diagnostics and in vivo pharmacokinetics parameters. A vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) binding peptide and a peptide against the protective antigen (PA) protein of Bacillus anthracis discovered through phage and bacterial display panning technologies, respectively, were modified with click handles and subjected to iterative in situ click chemistry screens using synthetic peptide libraries. Each azide-alkyne cycloaddition iteration, promoted by the respective target proteins, yielded improvements in metrics for the application of interest. The anti-VEGF PCC was explored as a stable in vivo imaging probe. It exhibited excellent stability against proteases and a mean elimination in vivo half-life (T1/2 ) of 36 min. Intraperitoneal injection of the reagent results in slow clearance from the peritoneal cavity and kidney retention at extended times, while intravenous injection translates to rapid renal clearance. The ligand competed with the commercial antibody for binding to VEGF in vivo. The anti-PA ligand was developed for detection assays that perform in demanding physical environments. The matured anti-PA PCC exhibited no solution aggregation, no fragmentation when heated to 100°C, and > 81% binding activity for PA after heating at 90°C for 1 h. We discuss the potential of the PCC agent screening process for the discovery and enrichment of next generation antibody alternatives.

Antiviral stilbene 1,2-diamines prevent initiation of hepatitis C virus RNA replication at the outset of infection.

The recent development of a cell culture model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection based on the JFH-1 molecular clone has enabled discovery of new antiviral agents. Using a cell-based colorimetric screening assay to interrogate a 1,200-compound chemical library for anti-HCV activity, we identified a family of 1,2-diamines derived from trans-stilbene oxide that prevent HCV infection at nontoxic, low micromolar concentrations in cell culture. Structure-activity relationship analysis of ~ 300 derivatives synthesized using click chemistry yielded compounds with greatly enhanced low nanomolar potency and a > 1,000:1 therapeutic ratio. Using surrogate models of HCV infection, we showed that the compounds selectively block the initiation of replication of incoming HCV RNA but have no impact on viral entry, primary translation, or ongoing HCV RNA replication, nor do they suppress persistent HCV infection. Selection of an escape variant revealed that NS5A is directly or indirectly targeted by this compound. In summary, we have identified a family of HCV inhibitors that target a critical step in the establishment of HCV infection in which NS5A translated de novo from an incoming genomic HCV RNA template is required to initiate the replication of this important human pathogen.

Iterative in situ click chemistry creates antibody-like protein-capture agents.

Special agents for protein capture: Iterative in situ click chemistry (see scheme for the tertiary ligand screen) and the one-bead-one-compound method for the creation of a peptide library enable the fragment-based assembly of selective high-affinity protein-capture agents. The resulting ligands are water-soluble and stable chemically, biochemically, and thermally. They can be produced in gram quantities through copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition.

(+)-Rimocidin synthetic studies. Construction of an advanced C(1-18) polyol fragment.

[structure: see text] The synthesis of an appropriately functionalized advanced C(1-18) polyol fragment of the mycosamine-glycosylated polyene macrolide, (+)-rimocidin (1), has been achieved in a highly efficient manner. Highlights of the strategy include the S(N)2/S(N)2' addition of dithiane anions to vinyl epoxides and the multicomponent linchpin union of 2-TBS-1,3-dithiane with two advanced epoxides.

Efficient synthesis of sulfonyl azides from sulfonamides.

Triflyl azide serves as an efficient diazo transfer reagent in this first direct synthesis of sulfonyl azides from readily available and stable sulfonamides. The process is experimentally simple, mild, and high-yielding. Sulfonyl azides participate in various catalytic transformations providing rapid access to diversely functionalized sulfonamide derivatives in good yields.

Dithiane additions to vinyl epoxides: steric control over the SN2 and SN2' manifolds.

High chemoselectivity can be achieved in the addition of lithium dithiane anions to vinyl epoxides exploiting the steric nature of the dithiane substituent. Unencumbered dithiane anions afford SN2 adducts, whereas sterically encumbered anions lead primarily to SN2' adducts. Furthermore, the SN2' addition occurs syn to the vinyl epoxide.

Multicomponent linchpin couplings. Reaction of dithiane anions with terminal epoxides, epichlorohydrin, and vinyl epoxides: efficient, rapid, and stereocontrolled assembly of advanced fragments for complex molecule synthesis.

The development, application, and advantages of a one-flask multicomponent dithiane linchpin coupling protocol, over the more conventional stepwise addition of dithiane anions to electrophiles leading to the rapid, efficient, and stereocontrolled assembly of highly functionalized intermediates for complex molecule synthesis, are described. Competent electrophiles include terminal epoxides, epichlorohydrin, and vinyl epoxides. High chemoselectivity can be achieved with epichlorohydrin and vinyl epoxides. For vinyl epoxides, the steric nature of the dithiane anion is critical; sterically unencumbered dithiane anions afford S(N)2 adducts, whereas encumbered anions lead primarily to SN2' adducts. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the SN2' process occurs via syn addition to the vinyl epoxide. Integration of the multicomponent tactic with epichlorohydrin and vinyl epoxides permits the higher-order union of four and five components.