Laszlo Revesz

ICE-PROTEASE INHIBITORS BLOCK MURINE LIVER INJURY AND APOPTOSIS CAUSED BY CD95 OR BY TNF-ALPHA

The two apoptosis receptors of mammalian cells, i.e. the 55 kDa TNF receptor (TNF-R1) and CD95 (Fas/APO1) are activated independently of each other, however, their signaling involves a variety of ICE-related proteases [I]. We used a cell-permeable inhibitor of ICE-like protease activity to examine in vivo whether post-receptor signaling of TNF and CD95 are fully independent processes. Mice pretreated with the inhibitor, Z-VAD-fluoromethylketone (FMK) were dose-dependently protected from liver injury caused by CD95 activation as determined by plasma alanine aminotransferase and also from hepatocyte apoptosis assessed by DNA fragmentation (ID50 = 0.1 mg/kg). A dose of 10 mg/kg protected mice also from liver injury induced by TNF-alpha. Similar results were found when apoptosis was initiated via TNF-alpha or via CD95 in primary murine hepatocytes (IC50 = 1.5 nM) or in various human cell lines. In addition to prevention, an arrest of cell death by Z-VAD-FMK was demonstrated in vivo and in vitro after stimulation of apoptosis receptors. These findings show in vitro and in vivo in mammals that CD95 and the TNF-alpha receptor share a distal proteolytic apoptosis signal.

Inactivation of chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 1 (CCR1) suppresses colon cancer liver metastasis by blocking accumulation of immature myeloid cells in a mouse model

Recent reports have suggested critical roles of myeloid cells in tumor invasion and metastasis, although these findings have not led to therapeutics. Using a mouse model for liver dissemination, we show that mouse and human colon cancer cells secrete CC-chemokine ligands CCL9 and CCL15, respectively, and recruit CD34+ Gr-1− immature myeloid cells (iMCs). They express CCL9/15 receptor CCR1 and produce matrix metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9. Lack of the Ccr1, Mmp2, or Mmp9 gene in the host dramatically suppresses outgrowths of disseminated tumors in the liver. Importantly, CCR1 antagonist BL5923 blocks the iMC accumulation and metastatic colonization and significantly prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice. These results suggest that CCR1 antagonists can provide antimetastatic therapies for patients with disseminated colon cancer in the liver.

SAR of 4-hydroxypiperidine and hydroxyalkyl substituted heterocycles as novel p38 map kinase inhibitors

The 4-hydroxypiperidine substituent was found to confer high p38 selectivity devoid of COX-1 affinity, when attached to a series of pyridinyl substituted heterocycles. Pyridinyloxazole 11 showed a promising in vivo profile with bioavailability of 64% and ED50 in rat collagen induced arthritis of 10 mg/kg po bid. In contrast to pyridinylimidazoles such as SB 203580, 11 did not inhibit human cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.

Synthesis of P1 aspartate-based peptide acyloxymethyl and fluoromethyl ketones as inhibitors of interleukin-1β-converting enzyme

Abstract Improved procedures have been developed for the synthesis of P1 aspartate-based 2,6-dichlorobenzoyloxymethyl ketone 1 and fluoromethyl ketone 2 , the prodrugs of two potent ICE-inhibitors. 1 was prepared from ( R )- trans -4,5-O-isopropylidene-4,5-dihydroxy-2-pentenecarboxylic acid ethyl ester; 2 was obtained via a nitro-aldol condensation as key step from in situ generated fluoroacetaldehyde.

SAR of 2,6-Diamino-3,5-difluoropyridinyl Substituted Heterocycles as Novel p38MAP Kinase Inhibitors

2,6-Diamino-3,5-difluoropyridinyl substituted pyridinylimidazoles, -pyrroles, -oxazoles, -thiazoles and -triazoles have been identified as novel p38alpha inhibitors. Pyridinylimidazole 11 potently inhibited LPS-induced TNFalpha in mice, showed good efficacy in the established rat adjuvant (ED(50): 10 mg/kg po b.i.d.) and collagen induced arthritis (ED(50): 5 mg/kg po b.i.d.) with disease modifying properties based on histological analysis of the joints.

Pyrrolo-pyrimidones: a novel class of MK2 inhibitors with potent cellular activity.

Pyrrolo-pyrimidones of the general structure 1 were synthesized and evaluated for their potential as MK2 inhibitors. Potent derivatives were discovered which inhibit MK2 in the nanomolar range and show potent inhibition of cytokine release from LPS-stimulated monocytes. These derivatives were shown to inhibit phosphorylation of hsp27, a downstream target of MK2 and are modestly selective in a panel of 28 kinases.

Synthesis of 6,5-fused bicyclic lactams as potential dipeptide β-turn mimetics

Abstract The first short synthesis of the dipeptide mimetic (3 S , 6 S , 9 S )-6-amino-5-oxoindolizidine-3-carboxylic acid 1 and its Z-protected derivative 9 is described, employing the Schoellkopf bislactim-ether methodology, followed by a highly specific intramolecular reductive amination and spontaneous lactamization. These 6,5-fused bicyclic lactams may be viewed as conformationally restricted alanyl-proline β-turn mimetics.

Novel 3-aminopyrazole inhibitors of MK-2 discovered by scaffold hopping strategy.

New, selective 3-aminopyrazole based MK2-inhibitors were discovered by scaffold hopping strategy. The new derivatives proved to inhibit intracellular phosphorylation of hsp27 as well as LPS-induced TNFalpha release in cells. In addition, selected derivative 14e also inhibited LPS-induced TNFalpha release in vivo.

Vicinal bromostannanes as novel building blocks for the preparation of di- and trisubstituted imidazoles

Abstract Three novel imidazole-based vicinal bromostannanes 5a-c have been developed for the regioselective preparation of 2,4,5-tri- and 4,5-disubstituted imidazoles. The novel building blocks are particularly attractive for Stille and Suzuki couplings that involve valuable aryl or heteroaryl halides, where conversion to the equivalent stannanes or boranes/boronic acids would represent an inviable option.

Isolation and synthesis of a novel immunosuppressive 17α-substituted dammarane from the flour of the Palmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer)

The novel triterpene 1 with a dammarane skeleton and a hitherto unknown 17alpha-substitution pattern has been isolated from the Palmyrah palm in low yield and prepared by synthesis in larger quantities. 1 was shown to be an extremely potent immunosuppressant in vitro (MLR; IC50 = 10 ng/ml) and in vivo (DTH; ED50 = 0.01 mg/kg p.o.). A glucocorticoid like activity is excluded.