Design, synthesis, and functional evaluation of leukocyte function associated antigen-1 antagonists in early and late stages of cancer development

J Med Chem. 2013 Feb 14;56(3):735-47. doi: 10.1021/jm3016848. Epub 2013 Jan 22.

Abstract

The integrin leukocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) binds the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) by its α(L)-chain inserted domain (I-domain). This interaction plays a key role in cancer and other diseases. We report the structure-based design, small-scale synthesis, and biological activity evaluation of a novel family of LFA-1 antagonists. The design led to the synthesis of a family of highly substituted homochiral pyrrolidines with antiproliferative and antimetastatic activity in a murine model of colon carcinoma, as well as potent antiadhesive properties in several cancer cell lines in the low micromolar range. NMR analysis of their binding to the isolated I-domain shows that they bind to the I-domain allosteric site (IDAS), the binding site of other allosteric LFA-1 inhibitors. These results provide evidence of the potential therapeutic value of a new set of LFA-1 inhibitors, whose further development is facilitated by a synthetic strategy that is versatile and fully stereocontrolled.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 / drug effects*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1