No abstract

We report here the development and optimization of a process synthesis for the human immunodeficiency virus-1 entry inhibitor BNM-III-170 bis-trifluoroacetate salt (1). The synthesis features a dynamic-kinetic resolution to establish the initial stereogenicity. By taking advantage of significant sequence modifications of our first-generation synthesis, in conjunction with the low solubility of late-stage intermediates, the overall efficiency of the synthesis has been significantly improved, now to proceed in an overall yield of 9.64% for the 16 steps, requiring only a single chromatographic separation.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer on the virion surface interacts with the host receptors, CD4 and CCR5/CXCR4, to mediate virus entry into the target cell. CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) bind the gp120 Env, block CD4 binding, and inactivate Env. Previous studies suggested that a C(5)-methylamino methyl moiety on a lead CD4mc, BNM-III-170, contributed to its antiviral potency. By replacing the C(5) chain with differentially substituted pyrrolidine, piperidine, and piperazine ring systems, guided by structural and computational analyses, we found that the 5-position of BNM-III-170 is remarkably tolerant of a variety of ring sizes and substitutions, both in regard to antiviral activity and sensitization to humoral responses. Crystallographic analyses of representative analogues from the pyrrolidine series revealed the potential for 5-substituents to hydrogen bond with gp120 Env residue Thr 283. Further optimization of these interactions holds promise for the development of CD4mcs with greater potency.