Diaminomaleonitrile derivatives as new potential antichagasic compounds: a study of structure-activity relationships

Background: Schiff bases are synthetically accessible compounds that have been used in medicinal chemistry. Methods & results: In this work, 27 Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile were synthesized in high yields (80-98%). Molecular docking studies suggested that the Schiff bases interact with the catalytic site of cruzain. The most active cruzain inhibitor, analog 13 (IC50 = 263 nM), was predicted to form an additional hydrophobic contact with Met68 in the binding site of the enzyme. A strong correlation between the IC50 values and ChemScore binding energies was observed (R = 0.99). Kernel-based 2D quantitative structure-activity relationship models for the whole dataset yielded sound correlation coefficients (R-2 = 0.844; Q(2) = 0.719). Conclusion: These novel and potent cruzain inhibitors are worthwhile starting points in further Chagas disease drug discovery programs.

Automated summary

A total of 27 Schiff bases derived from diaminomaleonitrile were synthesized in high yields, with one analog showing potential as a potent cruzain inhibitor in molecular docking studies. A strong correlation was observed between IC50 values and binding energies, with robust 2D quantitative structure-activity relationship models for the dataset. These novel cruzain inhibitors serve as promising starting points for further Chagas disease drug discovery programs.