Development and application of an in vitro assay to assess target-independent B-cell activation by targeted TLR7 immune agonists.

Targeted immune agonist (TIA) comprising a TLR7 agonist conjugated to tumor-targeting antibodies have been shown to induce potent anti-tumor responses in various preclinical models. However, the clinical proof-of-concept of a TIA has been hampered by systemic dose-limiting immune-related toxicities, including rapid induction of anti-drug antibodies in patients. We have developed ELISPOT-based assay to measure activation of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), intended to simulate the interaction between TIA and peripheral B cells as a tool to pre-clinically de-risk tumor target-independent peripheral B-cell activation by TIA. This method has proven to be robust and has fast turn-around time to evaluate the induction of spontaneous B-cell activation by TIA in a tumor target- and FcγR-independent manner. This novel ASC assay platform may serve as a preclinical tool to de-risk TIAs that can potentially induce immune-related adverse effects in the clinic.

Mechanistic insights on novel small molecule allosteric activators of cGMP-dependent protein kinase PKG1α.

cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) represents a compelling drug target for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. PKG1 is the major effector of beneficial cGMP signaling which is involved in smooth muscle relaxation and vascular tone, inhibition of platelet aggregation and signaling that leads to cardioprotection. In this study, a novel piperidine series of activators previously identified from an ultrahigh-throughput screen were validated to directly bind partially activated PKG1α and subsequently enhance its kinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Compounds from initial optimization efforts showed an ability to activate PKG1α independent of the endogenous activator, cGMP. We demonstrate these small molecule activators mimic the effect of cGMP on the kinetic parameters of PKG1α by positively modulating the KM of the peptide substrate and negatively modulating the apparent KM for ATP with increase in catalytic efficiency, kcat. In addition, these compounds also allosterically modulate the binding affinity of cGMP for PKG1α by increasing the affinity of cGMP for the high-affinity binding site (CNB-A) and decreasing the affinity of cGMP for the low-affinity binding site (CNB-B). We show the mode of action of these activators involves binding to an allosteric site within the regulatory domain, near the CNB-B binding site. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported non-cGMP mimetic small molecules shown to directly activate PKG1α. Insights into the mechanism of action of these compounds will enable future development of cardioprotective compounds that function through novel modes of action for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Optimization and Mechanistic Investigations of Novel Allosteric Activators of PKG1α.

Activation of PKG1α is a compelling strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. As the main effector of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), activation of PKG1α induces smooth muscle relaxation in blood vessels, lowers pulmonary blood pressure, prevents platelet aggregation, and protects against cardiac stress. The development of activators has been mostly limited to cGMP mimetics and synthetic peptides. Described herein is the optimization of a piperidine series of small molecules to yield activators that demonstrate in vitro phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein as well as antiproliferative effects in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry experiments with the small molecule activators revealed a mechanism of action consistent with cGMP-induced activation, and an X-ray co-crystal structure with a construct encompassing the regulatory domains illustrated a binding mode in an allosteric pocket proximal to the low-affinity cyclic nucleotide-binding domain.

Modulation of myosin by cardiac myosin binding protein-C peptides improves cardiac contractility in ex-vivo experimental heart failure models.

Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is an important regulator of sarcomeric function. Reduced phosphorylation of cMyBP-C has been linked to compromised contractility in heart failure patients. Here, we used previously published cMyBP-C peptides 302A and 302S, surrogates of the regulatory phosphorylation site serine 302, as a tool to determine the effects of modulating the dephosphorylation state of cMyBP-C on cardiac contraction and relaxation in experimental heart failure (HF) models in vitro. Both peptides increased the contractility of papillary muscle fibers isolated from a mouse model expressing cMyBP-C phospho-ablation (cMyBP-CAAA) constitutively. Peptide 302A, in particular, could also improve the force redevelopment rate (ktr) in papillary muscle fibers from cMyBP-CAAA (nonphosphorylated alanines) mice. Consistent with the above findings, both peptides increased ATPase rates in myofibrils isolated from rats with myocardial infarction (MI), but not from sham rats. Furthermore, in the cMyBP-CAAA mouse model, both peptides improved ATPase hydrolysis rates. These changes were not observed in non-transgenic (NTG) mice or sham rats, indicating the specific effects of these peptides in regulating the dephosphorylation state of cMyBP-C under the pathological conditions of HF. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that modulation of cMyBP-C dephosphorylation state can be a therapeutic approach to improve myosin function, sarcomere contractility and relaxation after an adverse cardiac event. Therefore, targeting cMyBP-C could potentially improve overall cardiac performance as a complement to standard-care drugs in HF patients.

Discovery of the First Non-cGMP Mimetic Small Molecule Activators of cGMP-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 α (PKG1α).

PKG1α is a central node in cGMP signaling. Current therapeutics that look to activate this pathway rely on elevation of cGMP levels and subsequent activation of PKG1α. Direct activation of PKG1α could potentially drive additional efficacy without associated side effects of blanket cGMP elevation. We undertook a high-throughput screen to identify novel activators. After triaging through numerous false positive hits, attributed to compound mediated oxidation and activation of PKG1α, a piperidine series of compounds was validated. The hit 1 was a weak activator with EC50 = 47 µM. The activity could be improved to single digit micromolar, as seen in compounds 21 and 25 (7.0 and 3.7 µM, respectively). Several compounds were tested in a pVASP cell-based assay, and for compounds with moderate permeability, good agreement was observed between the biochemical and functional assays. These compounds will function as efficient tools to further interrogate PKG1α biology.

Small molecule agonists of toll-like receptors 7 and 8: a patent review 2014 - 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 (TLR7 and TLR8) are endosomal immune receptors that initiate an innate immune response and can facilitate activation of the adaptive immune system. Both preclinical and clinical studies have shown the downstream inflammatory response from TLR7 and TLR8 agonism results in preliminary efficacy for the treatment of cancer, viral infections, and for use as a vaccine adjuvant. AREAS COVERED: This patent review covers recent developments in small molecule TLR7 and TLR8 agonists published between January 2014 - February 2020. We summarize relevant chemical scaffolds, observed structure-activity relationships, and where available, preliminary animal models, and clinical data. EXPERT OPINION: In the last 6 years, there has been significant progress in the optimization of novel TLR7 and TLR8 small molecule agonists. These novel compounds are currently being evaluated in the clinic for multiple antiviral and oncology indications. Clinical data from these trials will provide a clearer outlook on 1) the TLR7/8 engagement necessary to obtain the desired immune response, 2) safety margin improvement using directed delivery, and 3) potential synergistic effects with checkpoint inhibitor combination therapies.

Efforts towards the optimization of a bi-aryl class of potent IRAK4 inhibitors.

IRAK4 has been identified as potential therapeutic target for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Herein we report the identification and initial SAR studies of a new class of pyrazole containing IRAK4 inhibitors designed to expand chemical diversity and improve off target activity of a previously identified series. These compounds maintain potent IRAK4 activity and desirable ligand efficiency. Rat clearance and a variety of off target activities were also examined, resulting in encouraging data with tractable SAR.

Inhibitors of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4): a patent review (2012-2015).

INTRODUCTION: IRAK4 is located proximal to TLR/IL-1 receptors, and in preclinical studies, inhibits downstream signaling from these receptors. The development of novel small molecule inhibitors of this kinase has the potential to lead to new therapeutics to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and lymphomas. AREAS COVERED: The aim of this review is to summarize the recent patent literature (2012-2015) surrounding small molecule inhibitors of IRAK4. Specific examples of the chemical matter from each patent will be discussed, including any data that are presented for the examples highlighted. EXPERT OPINION: There are currently many examples of highly potent and kinase selective IRAK4 inhibitors and some have been tested in various in vivo disease models, demonstrating robust pre-clinical efficacy. Several compounds appear to have the 'drug-like' properties to advance to the clinic, with Pfizer having already initiated several phase I studies.

Discovery and Structure Enabled Synthesis of 2,6-Diaminopyrimidin-4-one IRAK4 Inhibitors.

We report the identification and synthesis of a series of aminopyrimidin-4-one IRAK4 inhibitors. Through high throughput screening, an aminopyrimidine hit was identified and modified via structure enabled design to generate a new, potent, and kinase selective pyrimidin-4-one chemotype. This chemotype is exemplified by compound 16, which has potent IRAK4 inhibition activity (IC50 = 27 nM) and excellent kinase selectivity (>100-fold against 99% of 111 tested kinases), and compound 31, which displays potent IRAK4 activity (IC50 = 93 nM) and good rat bioavailability (F = 42%).

Potent and Selective Amidopyrazole Inhibitors of IRAK4 That Are Efficacious in a Rodent Model of Inflammation.

IRAK4 is a critical upstream kinase in the IL-1R/TLR signaling pathway. Inhibition of IRAK4 is hypothesized to be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune related disorders. A screening campaign identified a pyrazole class of IRAK4 inhibitors that were determined by X-ray crystallography to exhibit an unusual binding mode. SAR efforts focused on the identification of a potent and selective inhibitor with good aqueous solubility and rodent pharmacokinetics. Pyrazole C-3 piperidines were well tolerated, with N-sulfonyl analogues generally having good rodent oral exposure but poor solubility. N-Alkyl piperidines exhibited excellent solubility and reduced exposure. Pyrazoles possessing N-1 pyridine and fluorophenyl substituents were among the most active. Piperazine 32 was a potent enzyme inhibitor with good cellular activity. Compound 32 reduced the in vivo production of proinflammatory cytokines and was orally efficacious in a mouse antibody induced arthritis disease model of inflammation.

Initial optimization and series evolution of diaminopyrimidine inhibitors of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 4.

IRAK4 plays a key role in TLR/IL-1 signaling. Previous efforts identified a series of aminopyrimidine IRAK4 inhibitors that possess good potency, but modest kinase selectivity. Exploration of substituents at the C-2 and C-5 positions generated compounds that maintained IRAK4 potency and improved kinase selectivity. Additionally, it was found that the pyrimidine core could be replaced with a pyridine and still retain potency and kinase selectivity. The optimization efforts led to compound 26 which had an IRAK4 IC50 of 0.7 nM, an IC50 of 55 nM on THP-1 cells stimulated with LPS, a TLR4 agonist, and greater than 100-fold selectivity versus 96% of a panel of 306 kinases.

Total synthesis of laulimalide: synthesis of the northern and southern fragments.

The first stage in the development of a synthetic route for the total synthesis of laulimalide (1) is described. Our retrosynthetic analysis envisioned a novel macrocyclization route to the natural product by using a Ru-catalyzed alkene-alkyne coupling. This would be preceded by an esterification of the C19 hydroxyl group, joining together two equally sized synthons, the northern fragment 7 and the southern fragment 8. Our first generation approach to the northern fragment entailed a key sequential Ru/Pd coupling sequence to assemble the dihydropyran. The key reactions proceeded smoothly, but the inability to achieve a key olefin migration led to the development of an alternative route based on an asymmetric dinuclear Zn-catalyzed aldol reaction of a hydroxyl acylpyrrole. This key reaction led to the desired diol adduct 66 with excellent syn/anti selectivity (10:1), and allowed for the successful completion of the northern fragment 7. The key step for the synthesis of the southern fragment was a chemoselective Rh-catalyzed cycloisomerization reaction to form the dihydropyran ring from a diyne precursor. This reaction proved to be selective for the formation of a six-membered ring, over a seven. The use of an electron-deficient bidentate phosphine allowed for the reaction to proceed with a reduced catalyst loading.

Total synthesis of laulimalide: assembly of the fragments and completion of the synthesis of the natural product and a potent analogue.

Herein, we present a full account of our efforts to couple the northern and the southern building blocks, the synthesis of which were described in the preceding paper, along with the modifications required to ultimately lead to a successful synthesis of laulimalide. Key highlights include an exceptionally efficient and atom-economical intramolecular ruthenium-catalyzed alkene-alkyne coupling to build the macrocycle, followed by a highly stereoselective 1,3-allylic isomerization promoted by a rhenium complex. Interestingly, the designed synthetic route also allowed us to prepare an analogue of the natural product that possesses significant cytotoxic activity. We also report a second generation route that provides a more concise synthesis of the natural product.

Evaluating transition-metal-catalyzed transformations for the synthesis of laulimalide.

Laulimalide is a structurally unique 20-membered marine macrolide displaying microtubule stabilizing activity similar to that of paclitaxel and the epothilones. The use of atom-economical transformations such as a Rh-catalyzed cycloisomerization to form the endocyclic dihydropyran, a dinuclear Zn-catalyzed asymmetric glycolate aldol reaction to prepare the syn 1,2-diol, and an intramolecular Ru-catalyzed alkene-alkyne coupling to build the macrocycle enabled us to synthesize laulimalide via an efficient and convergent pathway. The designed synthetic route also allowed us to prepare an analogue of the natural product that possesses significant cytotoxic activity.

Application of aryl siloxane cross-coupling to the synthesis of allocolchicinoids.

In this communication, we report a new approach to the allocolchicine carbocyclic skeleton based upon an aryl siloxane coupling reaction and a phenanthrol ring expansion. These key steps allow for the selective functionalization of every carbon within the carbocyclic framework. The siloxane coupling-phenanthrol sequence was applied to the synthesis of two allocolchicinoids, including the first fully synthetic approach to N-acetyl colchinol-O-methyl ether (NCME).

Efforts directed toward the synthesis of colchicine: application of palladium-catalyzed siloxane cross-coupling methodology.

[reaction: see text] Colchicine is an important and synthetically challenging natural product. The key synthetic step in this approach to the synthesis of colchicine involved a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between 5-bromotropolone (4) and an aryl siloxane to form the aryl-tropolone bond. The coupling of a variety of highly functionalized aryl siloxane derivatives was investigated and optimized coupling conditions were developed. It was discovered that a palladium catalyst with a high degree of phosphine ligand coordination (5 equiv of phosphine/mol Pd) was necessary to efficiently couple aryl siloxanes with 5-bromotropolone (4). In addition, the coupling approach has provided a direct comparison between siloxane and boronic acid coupling technologies that demonstrated that aryl siloxanes and boronic acids produce similar yields of highly functionalized biaryl products.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl triethylammonium bis(catechol) silicates with aryl bromides using microwave irradiation.

The scope of the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of aryl bis(catechol) silicates has been extended to include the coupling of aryl bromides by employing microwave irradiation. This new set of coupling conditions is tolerant of electron-rich and -deficient aryl bromides. In addition, a variety of substituted aryl bis(catechol) silicates have been successfully cross-coupled.

Improved synthesis of aryltrialkoxysilanes via treatment of aryl Grignard or lithium reagents with tetraalkyl orthosilicates.

General reaction conditions for the synthesis of aryl(trialkoxy)silanes from aryl Grignard and lithium reagents and tetraalkyl orthosilicates (Si(OR)(4)) have been developed. Ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted bromoarenes underwent efficient metalation and silylation at low temperature to provide aryl siloxanes. Mixed results were obtained with heteroaromatic substrates: 3-bromothiophene, 3-bromo-4-methoxypyridine, 5-bromoindole, and N-methyl-5-bromoindole underwent silylation in good yield, whereas a low yield of siloxane was obtained from 2-bromofuran, and 2-bromopyridine failed to give silylated product. The synthesis of siloxanes via organolithium and magnesium reagents was limited by the formation of di- and triarylated silanes (Ar(2)Si(OR)(2) and Ar(3)SiOR, respectively) and dehalogenated (Ar-H) byproducts. Silylation at low temperature gave predominantly monoaryl siloxanes, without requiring a large excess of the electrophile. Optimal reaction conditions for the synthesis of siloxanes from aryl Grignard reagents entailed addition of arylmagnesium reagents to 3 equiv of tetraethyl- or tetramethyl orthosilicate at -30 degrees C in THF. Aryllithium species were silylated using 1.5 equiv of tetraethyl- or tetramethyl orthosilicate at -78 degrees C in ether.

Application of directed orthometalation toward the synthesis of aryl siloxanes.

A selection of ortho-substituted aryl siloxanes have been prepared by directed orthometalation protocols. These siloxanes can be prepared in high yields and purity by use of a diverse selection of ortho-directing groups and electrophilic siloxane derivatives. The siloxanes are employed in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with aryl bromides to generate unsymmetrical ortho-substituted biaryls in good to excellent yields.

Preparation and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl triethylammonium bis(catechol) silicates with aryl triflates.

Pentavalent aryl and heteroaryl bis(catechol) silicates undergo palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl and heteroaryl triflates in the presence of a fluoride source in excellent yields. These solid, air-stable bis(catechol) silicates are prepared from a high-yielding displacement reaction between catechol and an aryl siloxane in the presence of an amine base. The cross-coupling reaction is tolerant of a wide range of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. Several examples of di-ortho-substituted triflates are successfully coupled with these reagents.