Exploration of zinc-binding groups for the design of inhibitors for the oxytocinase subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases.

The oxytocinase subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases consists of three members, ERAP1, ERAP2 and IRAP that play several important biological roles, including key functions in the generation of antigenic peptides that drive human immune responses. They represent emerging targets for pharmacological manipulation of the immune system, albeit lack of selective inhibitors is hampering these efforts. Most of the previously explored small-molecule binders target the active site of the enzymes via strong interactions with the catalytic zinc(II) atom and, while achieving increased potency, they suffer in selectivity. Continuing our earlier efforts on weaker zinc(II) binding groups (ZBG), like the 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid derivatives (DABA), we herein synthesized and biochemically evaluated analogues of nine potentially weak ZBGs, based on differential substitutions of functionalized pyridinone- and pyridinethione-scaffolds, nicotinic-, isonicotinic-, aminobenzoic- and hydrazinobenzoic-acids. Crystallographic analysis of two analogues in complex with a metalloprotease (MMP-12) revealed unexpected binding topologies, consistent with the observed affinities. Our results suggest that the potency of the compounds as inhibitors of ERAP1, ERAP2 and IRAP is primarily driven by the occupation of active-site specificity pockets and their proper orientation within the enzymes.

Crystal Structures of ERAP2 Complexed with Inhibitors Reveal Pharmacophore Requirements for Optimizing Inhibitor Potency.

Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 assists with the generation of antigenic peptides for presentation onto Major Histocompatibility Class I molecules in humans. Recent evidence has suggested that the activity of ERAP2 may contribute to the generation of autoimmunity, thus making ERAP2 a possible pharmacological target for the regulation of adaptive immune responses. To better understand the structural elements of inhibitors that govern their binding affinity to the ERAP2 active site, we cocrystallized ERAP2 with a medium activity 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid inhibitor and a poorly active hydroxamic acid derivative. Comparison of these two crystal structures with a previously solved structure of ERAP2 in complex with a potent phosphinic pseudopeptide inhibitor suggests that engaging the substrate N-terminus recognition properties of the active site is crucial for inhibitor binding even in the absence of a potent zinc-binding group. Proper utilization of all five major pharmacophores is necessary, however, to optimize inhibitor potency.

3,4-diaminobenzoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of the oxytocinase subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases with immune-regulating properties.

Members of the oxytocinase subfamily of M1 aminopeptidases (ERAP1, ERAP2, and IRAP) play important roles in both the adaptive and innate human immune responses. Their enzymatic activity can contribute to the pathogenesis of several major human diseases ranging from viral and parasitic infections to autoimmunity and cancer. We have previously demonstrated that diaminobenzoic acid derivatives show promise as selective inhibitors for this group of aminopeptidases. In this study, we have thoroughly explored a series of 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid derivatives as inhibitors of this class of enzymes, achieving submicromolar inhibitors for ERAP2 (IC50 = 237 nM) and IRAP (IC50 = 105 nM). Cell-based analysis indicated that the lead compounds can be effective in downregulating macrophage activation induced by lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ as well as cross-presentation by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Our results indicate that this class of inhibitors may be useful for the targeted downregulation of immune responses.