[HTML][HTML] Discovery of small molecule inhibitors of MyD88-dependent signaling pathways using a computational screen

MA Olson, MS Lee, TL Kissner, S Alam, DS Waugh… - Scientific reports, 2015 - nature.com
MA Olson, MS Lee, TL Kissner, S Alam, DS Waugh, KU Saikh
Scientific reports, 2015nature.com
In this study, we used high-throughput computational screening to discover drug-like
inhibitors of the host MyD88 protein-protein signaling interaction implicated in the potentially
lethal immune response associated with Staphylococcal enterotoxins. We built a protein-
protein dimeric docking model of the Toll-interleukin receptor (TIR)-domain of MyD88 and
identified a binding site for docking small molecules. Computational screening of 5 million
drug-like compounds led to testing of 30 small molecules; one of these molecules inhibits …
Abstract
In this study, we used high-throughput computational screening to discover drug-like inhibitors of the host MyD88 protein-protein signaling interaction implicated in the potentially lethal immune response associated with Staphylococcal enterotoxins. We built a protein-protein dimeric docking model of the Toll-interleukin receptor (TIR)-domain of MyD88 and identified a binding site for docking small molecules. Computational screening of 5 million drug-like compounds led to testing of 30 small molecules; one of these molecules inhibits the TIR-TIR domain interaction and attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine production in human primary cell cultures. Compounds chemically similar to this hit from the PubChem database were observed to be more potent with improved drug-like properties. Most of these 2nd generation compounds inhibit Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-1β production at 2–10 μM in human primary cells. Biochemical analysis and a cell-based reporter assay revealed that the most promising compound, T6167923, disrupts MyD88 homodimeric formation, which is critical for its signaling function. Furthermore, we observed that administration of a single dose of T6167923 completely protects mice from lethal SEB-induced toxic shock. In summary, our in silico approach has identified anti-inflammatory inhibitors against in vitro and in vivo toxin exposure with promise to treat other MyD88-related pro-inflammatory diseases.
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