Discovery of Potent and Selective Methylenephosphonic Acid CD73 Inhibitors

Solid tumors are often associated with high levels of extracellular ATP. Ectonucleotidases catalyze the sequential hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine, which potently suppresses T-cell and NK-cell functions via the adenosine receptors (A(2a) and A(2b)). The ectonucleotidase CD73 catalyzes the conversion of AMP to adenosine. Thus, increased CD73 enzymatic activity in the tumor microenvironment is a potential mechanism for tumor immune evasion and has been associated with poor prognosis in the clinic. CD73 inhibition is anticipated to restore immune function by skirting this major mechanism of adenosine generation. We have developed a series of potent and selective methyl-enephosphonic acid CD73 inhibitors via a structure-based design. Key binding interactions of the known inhibitor adenosine-5'- (alpha,beta-methylene)diphosphate (AMPCP) with hCD73 provided the foundation for our early designs. The structure-activity relationship study guided by this structure-based design led to the discovery of 4a, which exhibits excellent potency against CD73, exquisite selectivity against related ectonucleotidases, and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

Automated summary

Solid tumors often have high levels of extracellular ATP, which can be converted to adenosine by ectonucleotidases like CD73. Adenosine suppresses T-cell and NK-cell functions, promoting tumor immune evasion and poor prognosis. CD73 inhibition can restore immune function, and the development of potent and selective inhibitors shows promise in this area.