Significantly
more potent second generation 4-amino-7-chloroquinoline
(4,7-ACQ) based inhibitors of the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A
(BoNT/A) light chain were synthesized. Introducing an amino group
at the C(3) position of the cholate component markedly increased potency
(IC50 values for such derivatives ranged from 0.81 to 2.27
μM). Two additional subclasses were prepared: bis(steroidal)-4,7-ACQ
derivatives and bis(4,7-ACQ)cholate derivatives; both classes provided
inhibitors with nanomolar-range potencies (e.g., the Ki of compound 67 is 0.10 μM). During
BoNT/A challenge using primary neurons, select derivatives protected
SNAP-25 by up to 89%. Docking simulations were performed to rationalize
the compounds’ in vitro potencies. In addition to specific
residue contacts, coordination of the enzyme’s catalytic zinc
and expulsion of the enzyme’s catalytic water were a consistent
theme. With respect to antimalarial activity, the compounds provided
better IC90 activities against chloroquine resistant (CQR)
malaria than CQ, and seven compounds were more active than mefloquine
against CQR strain W2.