Targeting the Hinge Glycine Flip and the Activation Loop: Novel Approach to Potent p38α Inhibitors

The p38 MAP kinase is a key player in signaling pathways regulating the biosynthesis of inflammatory cytokines. Small molecule p38 inhibitors suppress the production of these cytokines. Therefore p38 is a promising drug target for novel anti-inflammatory drugs. In this study, we report novel dibenzepinones, dibenzoxepines, and benzosuberones as p38 alpha MAP kinase inhibitors. Previously reported dibenzepinones and dibenzoxepines were chemically modified by introduction of functional groups or removal of a phenyl ring. This should result in targeting of the hydrophobic region I, the deep pocket, and the hinge glycine flip of the kinase. Potent inhibitors with IC50 values in the single digit nanomolar range (up to 3 nM) were identified. Instead of targeting the deep pocket in the DFG-out conformation, interactions with the DFG-motif in the in-conformation could be observed by protein X-ray crystallography.