Discovery of a Novel Series of iso-Indolinone-Based Glutarimides as Highly Efficacious and Selective IKZF2 Molecular Glue Degraders

J Med Chem. 2025 Sep 11;68(17):18230-18257. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c00668. Epub 2025 Aug 21.

Abstract

Immunosuppressive Tregs, regulated by IKZF2 (Helios), promote tumor immune evasion and resistance to immune checkpoint therapies (ICTs). Targeting IKZF2 degradation offers a promising cancer immunotherapy approach. We developed a novel series of iso-indolinone-based glutarimides, identifying compound 55 as a potent, selective IKZF2 degrader with >90% Dmax in Jurkat cells, outperforming benchmarks DKY709 and PVTX-405. It exhibits strong selectivity over IMiD neo-substrates, favorable solubility, metabolic stability, and oral bioavailability in rodents. PK/PD studies confirmed profound, persistent IKZF2 degradation in mouse spleen and thymus after a single oral dose. As a promising early-stage tool, 55 provides a foundation for further preclinical evaluation in cancer immunotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Discovery*
  • Humans
  • Ikaros Transcription Factor* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Ikaros Transcription Factor* / metabolism
  • Indoles* / chemistry
  • Indoles* / pharmacokinetics
  • Indoles* / pharmacology
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Mice
  • Proteolysis / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Ikaros Transcription Factor
  • Indoles