SARS-CoV-2 3CL-protease inhibitors derived from ML300: investigation of P1 and replacements of the 1,2,3-benzotriazole.

ABSTRACT: Starting from compound 5 (CCF0058981), a structure-based optimization of the P1 subsite was performed against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (3CL^pro). Inhibitor 5 and the compounds disclosed bind to 3CL^pro using a non-covalent mode of action that utilize a His163 H-bond interaction in the S1 subpocket. In an effort to examine more structurally diverse P1 groups a number of azoles and heterocycles were designed. Several azole ring systems and replacements, including C-linked azoles, with similar or enhanced potency relative to 5 were discovered (28, 29, and 30) with demonstrated IC₅₀ values less than 100 nM. In addition, pyridyl and isoquinoline P1 groups were successful as P1 replacements leading to 3-methyl pyridyl 36 (IC₅₀ = 85 nM) and isoquinoline 27 (IC₅₀ = 26 nM). High resolution X-ray crystal structures of these inhibitors were utilized to confirm binding orientation and guide optimization. These findings have implications towards antiviral development and preparedness to combat SARS-like zoonotic coronavirus outbreaks.

SUBMITTER: Hooper A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10197776 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature