ABSTRACT
A convergent strategy for the synthesis of leustroducsins and phoslactomycins has been designed, relying on the synthesis and the coupling of three main fragments. The central fragment was synthesized via a regio-and stereoselective nitroso Diels-Alder reaction with an enol phosphate, followed by reductive cleavage of the phosphate to the ketone 11b. Coupling studies of this fragment with the lactone fragment was accomplished in a stereoselective fashion through a vinyllithium intermediate. An advanced synthetic intermediate was then obtained after functional group transformation.
ABSTRACT
Herein we describe the synthesis and evaluation of four novel HER2-targeting, cathepsin B-sensitive antibody-drug conjugates bearing a monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) cytotoxic payload, constructed via the conjugation of cleavable linkers to trastuzumab using a site-specific bioconjugation methodology. These linkers vary by both cleavable trigger motif and hydrophilicity, containing one of two cathepsin B sensitive dipeptides (Val-Cit and Val-Ala), and engendered with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic character via application of a PEG12 spacer. Through evaluation of physical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity, and receptor affinity of the resulting antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), we have demonstrated that while both dipeptide triggers are effective, the increased hydrophobicity of the Val-Ala pair limits its utility within this type of linker. In addition, while PEGylation augments linker hydrophilicity, this change does not translate to more favourable ADC hydrophilicity or potency. While all described structures demonstrated excellent and similar in vitro cytotoxicity, the ADC with the ValCitPABMMAE linker shows the most promising combination of in vitro potency, structural homogeneity, and hydrophilicity, warranting further evaluation into its therapeutic potential.
