Development of human cGAS-specific small-molecule inhibitors for repression of dsDNA-triggered interferon expression.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Source:

Nat Commun, Volume 10, Issue 1, p.2261 (2019)

Abstract:

<p>Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is the primary sensor for aberrant intracellular dsDNA producing the cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP, a second messenger initiating cytokine production in subsets of myeloid lineage cell types. Therefore, inhibition of the enzyme cGAS may act anti-inflammatory. Here we report the discovery of human-cGAS-specific small-molecule inhibitors by high-throughput screening and the targeted medicinal chemistry optimization for two molecular scaffolds. Lead compounds from one scaffold co-crystallize with human cGAS and occupy the ATP- and GTP-binding active site. The specificity and potency of these drug candidates is further documented in human myeloid cells including primary macrophages. These novel cGAS inhibitors with cell-based activity will serve as probes into cGAS-dependent innate immune pathways and warrant future pharmacological studies for treatment of cGAS-dependent inflammatory diseases.</p>

PDB: 
6MJU, 6MJW, 6MJX
Detector: 
PILATUS
EIGER
Beamline: 
24-ID-C
24-ID-E