In
this structure–activity relationship (SAR)
study, we
report the development of dual inhibitors with antiviral properties
targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and human
cathepsin L (hCatL). The novel molecules differ in the aliphatic amino
acids at the P2 site and the fluorine position on the phenyl ring
at the P3 site. The identified dual inhibitors showed K
i values within 1.61 and 10.72 μM against SARS-CoV-2
Mpro; meanwhile, K
i values
ranging from 0.004 to 0.701 μM toward hCatL were observed. A
great interdependency between the nature of the side chain at the
P2 site and the position of the fluorine atom was found. Three dual-targeting
inhibitors exhibited antiviral activity in the low micromolar range
with CC50 values >100 μM. Docking simulations
were
executed to gain a deeper understanding of the SAR profile. The findings
herein collected should be taken into consideration for the future
development of dual SARS-CoV-2 Mpro/hCatL inhibitors.