Design, synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a novel class of sulfonylpyridine inhibitors of Interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (ITK).

Starting from benzylpyrimidine 2, molecular modeling and X-ray crystallography were used to design highly potent inhibitors of Interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (ITK). Sulfonylpyridine 4i showed sub-nanomolar affinity against ITK, was selective versus Lck and its activity in the Jurkat cell-based assay was greatly improved over 2.

Chiral resolution and pharmacological characterization of the enantiomers of the Hsp90 inhibitor 2-amino-7-[4-fluoro-2-(3-pyridyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazolin-5-one oxime.

Heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone involved in the stabilization of key oncogenic signaling proteins, and therefore, inhibition of Hsp90 represents a new strategy in cancer therapy. 2-Amino-7-[4-fluoro-2-(3-pyridyl)phenyl]-4-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-quinazolin-5-one oxime is a racemic Hsp90 inhibitor that targets the N-terminal adenosine triphosphatase site. We developed a method to resolve the enantiomers and evaluated their inhibitory activity on Hsp90 and the consequent antitumor effects. The (S) stereoisomer emerged as a potent Hsp90 inhibitor in biochemical and cellular assays. In addition, this enantiomer exhibited high oral bioavailability in mice and excellent antitumor activity in two different human cancer xenograft models.

Structure-based design and synthesis of potent benzothiazole inhibitors of interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK).

Inhibition of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase ITK, a component of the T-cell receptor signalling cascade, may represent a novel treatment for allergic asthma. Here we report the structure-based optimization of a series of benzothiazole amides that demonstrate sub-nanomolar inhibitory potency against ITK with good cellular activity and kinase selectivity. We also elucidate the binding mode of these inhibitors by solving the X-ray crystal structures of several inhibitor-ITK complexes.

The synthesis and evaluation of indolylureas as PKCα inhibitors.

PKCα and PKA have crucial but opposing roles in the regulation of calcium handling within myocytes. Identification of compounds that inhibit PKCα, but not PKA, are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of heart disease. The synthesis of indolylureas are described, and a compound displaying nanomolar inhibition towards PKCα with significant selectivity over PKA has been identified.

HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors 2: Synthesis and in vitro activity of (1,1-dioxo-2H-[1,2,4]benzothiadiazin-3-yl) azolo[1,5-a]pyridine and azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives.

(1,1-Dioxo-2H-[1,2,4]benzothiadiazin-3-yl) azolo[1,5-a]pyridine and azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives have been investigated as potential anti-HCV drugs. Their synthesis, HCV NS5B polymerase inhibition, and replicon activity are discussed.

Fragment-based identification of Hsp90 inhibitors.

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) plays a key role in stress response and protection of the cell against the effects of mutation. Herein we report the identification of an Hsp90 inhibitor identified by fragment screening using a high-concentration biochemical assay, as well as its optimisation by in silico searching coupled with a structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach.