Design, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Isoindoline Analogues as New HPK1 Inhibitors

J Med Chem. 2023 Dec 14;66(23):16201-16221. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01571. Epub 2023 Nov 22.

Abstract

Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) is an important negative regulator in T-cell receptor signaling and as a promising key target for immunotherapy. Herein, based on the reported HPK1 inhibitor 2 featuring an isofuranone component, a structural optimization approach was conducted leading to several series of derivatives characterized by containing an isoindoline structural motif. Compound 49 was identified as a new potent HPK1 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.9 nM, more potent than compound 2 (5.5 nM). It also has an improved IV profile in rats and enhanced aqueous solubility. It effectively inhibited pSLP76 and reinvigorated T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling, promoting T-cell function and cytokine production both in naïve and antigen-specific T cells. Furthermore, compound 49 reversed the inhibition on T-cell activity mediated by classic immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the murine CT-26 tumor model, this compound reinvigorated the T cell and synergistically enhanced the antitumor efficacy of anti-PD1 at a well-tolerant dosage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Mice
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Binding
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Signal Transduction*
  • T-Lymphocytes* / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell