Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of 4-Quinoline Carboxylic Acids as Inhibitors of Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase

Abstract

We pursued a structure-guided approach toward the development of improved dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors with the goal of forming new interactions between DHODH and the brequinar class of inhibitors. Two potential residues, T63 and Y356, suitable for novel H-bonding interactions, were identified in the brequinar-binding pocket. Analogues were designed to maintain the essential pharmacophore and form new electrostatic interactions through strategically positioned H-bond accepting groups. This effort led to the discovery of potent quinoline-based analogues 41 (DHODH IC₅₀ = 9.71 ± 1.4 nM) and 43 (DHODH IC₅₀ = 26.2 ± 1.8 nM). A cocrystal structure between 43 and DHODH depicts a novel water mediated H-bond interaction with T63. Additional optimization led to the 1,7-naphthyridine 46 (DHODH IC₅₀ = 28.3 ± 3.3 nM) that forms a novel H-bond with Y356. Importantly, compound 41 possesses significant oral bioavailability ( F = 56%) and an elimination t_1/2 = 2.78 h (PO dosing). In conclusion, the data supports further preclinical studies of our lead compounds toward selection of a candidate for early-stage clinical development.