Solubilizer Tag Effect on PD-L1/Inhibitor Binding Properties for m -Terphenyl Derivatives.
Surmiak, E., Zaber, J., Plewka, J., Wojtanowicz, G., Kocik-Krol, J., Kruc, O., Muszak, D., Rodriguez, I., Musielak, B., Viviano, M., Castellano, S., Skalniak, L., Magiera-Mularz, K., Holak, T.A., Kalinowska-Tluscik, J.(2024) ACS Med Chem Lett 15: 36-44
- PubMed: 38229762 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00306
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
8P1O, 8R6Q - PubMed Abstract: 
Although heavily studied, the subject of anti-PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors is still elusive. Here we present a systematic overview of the principles behind successful anti-PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitor design on the example of the m -terphenyl scaffold, with a particular focus on the neglected influence of the solubilizer tag on the overall affinity toward PD-L1. The inhibitor developed according to the proposed guidelines was characterized through its potency in blocking PD-1/PD-L1 complex formation in homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence and cell-based assays. The affinity is also explained based on the crystal structure of the inhibitor itself and its costructure with PD-L1 as well as a molecular modeling study. Our results structuralize the knowledge related to the strong pharmacophore feature of the m -terphenyl scaffold preferential geometry and the more complex role of the solubilizer tag in PD-L1 homodimer stabilization.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Cracow, Poland.