Discovery of Tetrahydroisoquinoline-Containing CXCR4 Antagonists with Improved in Vitro ADMET Properties

J Med Chem. 2018 Feb 8;61(3):946-979. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01420. Epub 2018 Jan 30.

Abstract

CXCR4 is a seven-transmembrane receptor expressed by hematopoietic stem cells and progeny, as well as by ≥48 different cancers types. CXCL12, the only chemokine ligand of CXCR4, is secreted within the tumor microenvironment, providing sanctuary for CXCR4+ tumor cells from immune surveillance and chemotherapeutic elimination by (1) stimulating prosurvival signaling and (2) recruiting CXCR4+ immunosuppressive leukocytes. Additionally, distant CXCL12-rich niches attract and support CXCR4+ metastatic growths. Accordingly, CXCR4 antagonists can potentially obstruct CXCR4-mediated prosurvival signaling, recondition the CXCR4+ leukocyte infiltrate from immunosuppressive to immunoreactive, and inhibit CXCR4+ cancer cell metastasis. Current small molecule CXCR4 antagonists suffer from poor oral bioavailability and off-target liabilities. Herein, we report a series of novel tetrahydroisoquinoline-containing CXCR4 antagonists designed to improve intestinal absorption and off-target profiles. Structure-activity relationships regarding CXCR4 potency, intestinal permeability, metabolic stability, and cytochrome P450 inhibition are presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption, Physicochemical*
  • Cell Line
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 / metabolism
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Humans
  • Permeability
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / chemistry
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / metabolism*
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines / pharmacology*

Substances

  • CXCR4 protein, human
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 Inhibitors
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • Tetrahydroisoquinolines
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6