Targeting the lateral interactions of transmembrane domain 5 of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1.

The lateral transmembrane protein-protein interaction has been regarded as "undruggable" despite its importance in many biological processes. The homo-trimerization of transmembrane domain 5 (TMD-5) of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) is critical for the constitutive oncogenic activation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Herein, we report a small molecule agent, NSC 259242 (compound 1), to be a TMD-5 self-association disruptor. Both the positively charged acetimidamide functional groups and the stilbene backbone of compound 1 are essential for its inhibitory activity. Furthermore, cell-based assays revealed that compound 1 inhibits full-length LMP-1 signaling in EBV infected B cells. These studies demonstrated a new strategy for identifying small molecule disruptors for investigating transmembrane protein-protein interactions.

Development of ß-amino alcohol derivatives that inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 mediated inflammatory response as potential antiseptics.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induced proinflammatory signaling has been directly implicated in severe sepsis and represents an attractive therapeutic target. Herein, we report our investigations into the structure-activity relationship and preliminary drug metabolism/pharmacokinetics study of ß-amino alcohol derivatives that inhibit the TLR4 signaling pathway. Lead compounds were identified from in vitro cellular examination with micromolar potency for their inhibitory effects on TLR4 signaling and subsequently assessed for their ability to suppress the TLR4-induced inflammatory response in an ex vivo whole blood model. In addition, the toxicology, specificity, solubility, brain-blood barrier permeability, and drug metabolism of several compounds were evaluated. Although further optimizations are needed, our findings lay the groundwork for the future drug development of this class of small molecule agents for the treatment of severe sepsis.