Multi-target-directed-ligands acting as enzyme inhibitors and receptor ligands

Eur J Med Chem. 2019 Oct 15:180:690-706. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.07.040. Epub 2019 Jul 12.

Abstract

In this review, we present the latest advances in the field of multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) design for the treatment of various complex pathologies of multifactorial origin. In particular, latest findings in the field of MTDL design targeting both an enzyme and a receptor are presented for different diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression, addiction, glaucoma, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and pain and inflammation. The ethology of the diseases is briefly described, with special emphasis on how the MTDL can evolve into novel therapies that replace the classic pharmacological dogma "one target one disease". Considering the current needs for therapy adherence improvement, it is exposed as from the medicinal chemistry, different molecular scaffolds are studied. With the use of structure activity relationship studies and molecular optimization, new hybrid molecules are generated with improved biological properties acting at two biologically very distinct targets.

Keywords: Dual-active compounds; Hybrid molecules; Multi-target-directed ligand; Multifactorial disease; Structure-activity relationship.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Butyrylcholinesterase / metabolism
  • Drug Design
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / metabolism
  • Receptors, Histamine / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Histamine
  • Acetylcholinesterase
  • Butyrylcholinesterase
  • Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases