DC-SIGN Inhibitors for the Treatment of HIV Infection

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): DC-SIGN (dendritic cell specific ICAM-3-grabbing non-integrin), a membrane protein of C-type lectin family, is found in high levels on monocyte-derived DCs, some macrophages, and activated B cells. In vivo, DC-SIGN- positive cells were demonstrated in lymph nodes, tonsils, skin, and the subepithelial region of the cervix. DC- SIGN has been shown to bind to a number of viruses, mycobacteria, and the protozoan parasite Leishmania. Specifically, DC-SIGN has been identified as the dendritic cell receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 and HIV-2), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), dengue virus, Marburg virus, hepatitis C, Ebola, and cytomegalovirus. With respect to HIV-1 transmission, DC-SIGN has been shown to serve as ligand that efficiently binds, concentrates, and mediates transfer of virus from the mucosal surface to CD4+ T cells. Subepithelial DCs expressing DC-SIGN have been demonstrated to play important roles in cervicovaginal transmission of HIV-1. Along this line, several other studies have examined the process of DC-SIGN-mediated transmission of various pathogens and have suggested that targeting this cell surface molecule may serve as potential therapeutic strategy. DC-SIGN binds to high mannose and fucose moieties present on the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 with high affinity. Blocking this interaction at the site of primary infection could potentially be prophylactic and/or a potent microbicidal target. Both RNA interference and carbohydrate-binding agents have been shown as potential means to inhibit DC-SIGN-mediated transmission of HIV-1. RNA-based therapies; however, present obstacles with respect to delivery, stability and potency. Similarly, converting carbohydrate leads to effective inhibitors could be challenging. Recently HTS screening of small molecule library has been reported to produce micromolar to sub-micromolar noncarbohyrate hits to block DC-SIGN and GP120 interaction. This validated the notion that HTS of noncarbohyrate library can produce micromolar noncarbohydrate hits. To maximize the chance of success, we will look for non-carbohydrate hits from three sources: HTS of in-house library, virtual screening of Zinc database, and "binding-site directed lipophilic mining" approach. The Specific Aims of this proposal are to 1) Discover a non-carbohydrate small molecule hit with micromolar binding activity to block the interaction of DC-SIGN and GP120; and 2) The hits from Aim 1 will be clustered and prioritized into ~3 chemotypes which will be investigated and validated by examining the activity of structural variants prepared by synthesis or acquired from commercial sources. At the end of Phase 1, we will have identified at least one advanced drug- like hit with noncarbohydrate structure that blocks gp120 binding to DC-SIGN, exemplified by key representative members that are of sufficient interest for a full program of study in Phase 2.