Tetrazole derivatives as potent immunomodulatory agents in tumor microenvironment

Alberto Pla-López1, Miguel Carda1, Eva Falomir1

  • 1Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Department, University Jaume I, E-12071 Castellón, Spain.

Insights

Tetrazole derivatives were synthesized and tested for anticancer properties. Amine-containing compounds show promise as tumor microenvironment immunomodulators, while specific bromo and chloro derivatives induced apoptosis in HT-29 cancer cells.

Area of Science:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Cancer Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Tetrazole scaffolds are recognized for their diverse biological activities.
  • Modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key strategy in cancer therapy.
  • Targeting Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), Cluster of Differentiation 47 (CD-47), and c-Myc are critical in cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design, synthesize, and evaluate novel tetrazole derivatives for anticancer potential.
  • To compare the effects of electron-donating (amine) versus electron-accepting (nitro) groups on tetrazole derivatives.
  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of these compounds on PD-L1, VEGFR-2, CD-47, c-Myc, and TNF-α secretion.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of 27 tetrazole-containing compounds.
  • Antiproliferative activity assessed via monoculture (HT-29, A-549, MCF-7, HEK-293) and co-culture (HT-29/THP-1) assays.
  • Inhibition profiling against PD-L1, VEGFR-2, CD-47, and c-Myc.
  • Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion.

Main Results:

  • Bromoderivatives (23, 24) and chloroderivatives (26, 27) induced apoptosis in HT-29 cancer cells.
  • Compounds with amine groups exhibited significant immunomodulatory effects within the TME.
  • Several compounds demonstrated inhibitory activity against PD-L1, VEGFR-2, CD-47, and c-Myc.

Conclusions:

  • Tetrazole derivatives, particularly those with amine substituents, represent a promising class of TME immunomodulatory agents.
  • Specific halogenated tetrazoles possess direct cytotoxic effects, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.
  • The designed tetrazole compounds offer potential as multi-targeted anticancer therapeutics.

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