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Fluorinated Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonists Inspired by Preladenant as Potential Cancer Immunotherapeutics
Gengyang Yuan1, Tanner C Jankins1, Christopher G Patrick1
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Antagonism of the adenosine A2A receptor on T cells blocks the hypoxia-adenosinergic pathway to promote tumor rejection. Using an in vivo immunoassay based on the Concanavalin A mouse model, a series of A2A antagonists were studied and identified preladenant as a potent lead compound for development. Molecular modeling was employed to assist drug design and subsequent synthesis of analogs and those of tozadenant, including fluorinated polyethylene glycol PEGylated derivatives. The efficacy of the analogs was evaluated using two in vitro functional bioassays, and compound 29, a fluorinated triethylene glycol derivative of preladenant, was confirmed as a potential immunotherapeutic agent.
Insights
Blocking the adenosine A2A receptor on T cells can enhance anti-tumor immunity. Researchers identified preladenant and its derivatives, including compound 29, as promising immunotherapeutic agents for promoting tumor rejection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- The hypoxia-adenosinergic pathway can suppress anti-tumor immune responses.
- Adenosine A2A receptors on T cells play a crucial role in this immunosuppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adenosine A2A receptor antagonists as a strategy to promote tumor rejection.
- To identify novel immunotherapeutic agents targeting this pathway.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an *in vivo* immunoassay with the Concanavalin A mouse model.
- Employed molecular modeling for drug design and synthesis of analogs.
- Conducted *in vitro* functional bioassays to evaluate compound efficacy.
Main Results:
- Preladenant was identified as a potent lead compound.
- Synthesized and evaluated various analogs, including PEGylated derivatives.
- Compound 29, a fluorinated triethylene glycol derivative of preladenant, demonstrated significant potential.
Conclusions:
- Antagonism of the adenosine A2A receptor effectively blocks the hypoxia-adenosinergic immunosuppressive pathway.
- Compound 29 shows promise as a novel immunotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
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