Exploration of the Structural Space in 4(3 H)-Quinazolinone Antibacterials

J Med Chem. 2020 May 28;63(10):5287-5296. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00153. Epub 2020 May 8.

Abstract

We report herein the syntheses of 79 derivatives of the 4(3H)-quinazolinones and their structure-activity relationship (SAR) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Twenty one analogs were further evaluated in in vitro assays. Subsequent investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties singled out compound 73 ((E)-3-(5-carboxy-2-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-cyanostyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one) for further study. The compound synergized with piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) both in vitro and in vivo in a clinically relevant mouse model of MRSA infection. The TZP combination lacks activity against MRSA, yet it synergized with compound 73 to kill MRSA in a bactericidal manner. The synergy is rationalized by the ability of the quinazolinones to bind to the allosteric site of penicillin-binding protein (PBP)2a, resulting in opening of the active site, whereby the β-lactam antibiotic now is enabled to bind to the active site in its mechanism of action. The combination effectively treats MRSA infection, for which many antibiotics (including TZP) have faced clinical obsolescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Neutropenia / drug therapy
  • Neutropenia / microbiology
  • Quinazolinones / chemistry*
  • Quinazolinones / pharmacology*
  • Quinazolinones / therapeutic use
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / physiology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Quinazolinones
  • 4-hydroxyquinazoline