Emerging and re-emerging warheads for targeted covalent inhibitors: applications in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology

M Gehringer, SA Laufer - Journal of medicinal chemistry, 2018 - ACS Publications
Journal of medicinal chemistry, 2018ACS Publications
Targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) are designed to bind poorly conserved amino acids by
means of reactive groups, the so-called warheads. Currently, targeting noncatalytic cysteine
residues with acrylamides and other α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is the
predominant strategy in TCI development. The recent ascent of covalent drugs has
stimulated considerable efforts to characterize alternative warheads for the covalent-
reversible and irreversible engagement of noncatalytic cysteine residues as well as other …
Targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) are designed to bind poorly conserved amino acids by means of reactive groups, the so-called warheads. Currently, targeting noncatalytic cysteine residues with acrylamides and other α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds is the predominant strategy in TCI development. The recent ascent of covalent drugs has stimulated considerable efforts to characterize alternative warheads for the covalent-reversible and irreversible engagement of noncatalytic cysteine residues as well as other amino acids. This Perspective article provides an overview of warheads—beyond α,β-unsaturated amides—recently used in the design of targeted covalent ligands. Promising reactive groups that have not yet demonstrated their utility in TCI development are also highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on the discussion of reactivity and of case studies illustrating applications in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
ACS Publications