MCC950/CRID3 potently targets the NACHT domain of wild-type NLRP3 but not disease-associated mutants for inflammasome inhibition

The nucleotide-binding-domain (NBD)-and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing (NLR) family, pyrin-domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome drives pathological inflammation in a suite of autoimmune, metabolic, malignant, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, NLRP3 gain-of-function point mutations cause systemic periodic fever syndromes that are collectively known as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). There is significant interest in the discovery and development of diarylsulfonylurea Cytokine Release Inhibitory Drugs (CRIDs) such as MCC950/CRID3, a potent and selective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, for the treatment of CAPS and other diseases. However, drug discovery efforts have been constrained by the lack of insight into the molecular target and mechanism by which these CRIDs inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Here, we show that the NAIP, CIITA, HET-E, and TP1 (NACHT) domain of NLRP3 is the molecular target of diarylsulfonylurea inhibitors. Interestingly, we find photoaffinity labeling (PAL) of the NACHT domain requires an intact (d)ATP-binding pocket and is substantially reduced for most CAPS-associated NLRP3 mutants. In concordance with this finding, MCC950/CRID3 failed to inhibit NLRP3-driven inflammatory pathology in two mouse models of CAPS. Moreover, it abolished circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-18 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged wild-type mice but not in Nlrp3(L351P) knock-in mice and ex vivo-stimulated mutant macrophages. These results identify wild-type NLRP3 as the molecular target of MCC950/CRID3 and show that CAPS-related NLRP3 mutants escape efficient MCC950/CRID3 inhibition. Collectively, this work suggests that MCC950/CRID3-based therapies may effectively treat inflammation driven by wild-type NLRP3 but not CAPS-associated mutants

A General Strategy for the Construction of Functionalized Azaindolines via Domino Palladium-Catalyzed Heck Cyclization/Suzuki Coupling

The preparation of substituted azaindolines utilizing a domino palladium-catalyzed Heck cyclization/Suzuki coupling is described. The approach is amenable for the construction of all four azaindoline isomers. A range of functional groups such as esters, amides, ketones, sulfones, amines, and nitriles are all tolerated under the reaction conditions

Heteroarylation of Azine <i>N</i>-Oxides

Azine <i>N</i>-oxides undergo highly regioselective metalation with TMPZnCl·LiCl under mild conditions. A palladium-catalyzed Negishi cross-coupling reaction of the resulting organozinc species with heteroaromatic bromides provides heterobiaryls specifically oxidized at one nitrogen position in up to 95% yield

Correction: MCC950/CRID3 potently targets the NACHT domain of wild-type NLRP3 but not disease-associated mutants for inflammasome inhibition.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000354.]

Design of Selective Benzoxazepin PI3Kδ Inhibitors Through Control of Dihedral Angles

A novel selective benzoxazepin inhibitor of PI3Kδ has been discovered. Beginning from compound <b>3</b>, an αPI3K inhibitor, we utilized structure-based drug design and computational analysis of dihedral torsion angles to optimize for PI3Kδ isoform potency and isoform selectivity. Further medicinal chemistry optimization of the series led to the identification of <b>24</b>, a highly potent and selective inhibitor of PI3Kδ

The Rational Design of Selective Benzoxazepin Inhibitors of the α‑Isoform of Phosphoinositide 3‑Kinase Culminating in the Identification of (<i>S</i>)‑2-((2-(1-Isopropyl‑1<i>H</i>‑1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[<i>f</i>]imidazo[1,2‑<i>d</i>][1,4]oxazepin-9-yl)oxy)propanamide (GDC-0326)

Inhibitors of the class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) isoform PI3Kα have received substantial attention for their potential use in cancer therapy. Despite the particular attraction of targeting PI3Kα, achieving selectivity for the inhibition of this isoform has proved challenging. Herein we report the discovery of inhibitors of PI3Kα that have selectivity over the other class I isoforms and all other kinases tested. In GDC-0032 (<b>3</b>, taselisib), we previously minimized inhibition of PI3Kβ relative to the other class I insoforms. Subsequently, we extended our efforts to identify PI3Kα-specific inhibitors using PI3Kα crystal structures to inform the design of benzoxazepin inhibitors with selectivity for PI3Kα through interactions with a nonconserved residue. Several molecules selective for PI3Kα relative to the other class I isoforms, as well as other kinases, were identified. Optimization of properties related to drug metabolism then culminated in the identification of the clinical candidate GDC-0326 (<b>4</b>)

Back Pocket Flexibility Provides Group II p21-Activated Kinase (PAK) Selectivity for Type I 1/2 Kinase Inhibitors

Structure-based methods were used to design a potent and highly selective group II p21-activated kinase (PAK) inhibitor with a novel binding mode, compound <b>17</b>. Hydrophobic interactions within a lipophilic pocket past the methionine gatekeeper of group II PAKs approached by these type I 1/2 binders were found to be important for improving potency. A structure-based hypothesis and strategy for achieving selectivity over group I PAKs, and the broad kinome, based on unique flexibility of this lipophilic pocket, is presented. A concentration-dependent decrease in tumor cell migration and invasion in two triple-negative breast cancer cell lines was observed with compound <b>17</b>