The biological rationale for targeting protein–protein interactions as a therapeutic strategy is strong, but identifying viable small-molecule drugs to achieve this has proved highly challenging. This article uses examples of successful discovery efforts to illustrate the research strategies that have proved most useful for different classes of protein–protein interactions.

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Small molecules, big targets: drug discovery faces the protein–protein interaction challenge

The transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by NFE2L2) and its principal negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), are critical in the maintenance of redox, metabolic and protein homeostasis, as well as the regulation of inflammation. Thus, NRF2 activation provides cytoprotection against numerous pathologies including chronic diseases of the lung and liver; autoimmune, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders; and cancer initiation. One NRF2 activator has received clinical approval and several electrophilic modifiers of the cysteine-based sensor KEAP1 and inhibitors of its interaction with NRF2 are now in clinical development. However, challenges regarding target specificity, pharmacodynamic properties, efficacy and safety remain.

/pdf/therapeutic-targeting-of-the-nrf2-and-keap1-partnership-in-2mgsani6b1.pdf

Therapeutic targeting of the NRF2 and KEAP1 partnership in chronic diseases

Molecular basis of the Keap1–Nrf2 system

The emerging role of Nrf2 in mitochondrial function.

The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE ((Kelch-like ECH-Associating protein 1) nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2-antioxidant response element) pathway is one of the most important defense mechanisms against oxidative and/or electrophilic stresses, and it is closely associated with inflammatory diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and aging. In recent years, progress has been made in strategies aimed at modulating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway. The Nrf2 activator DMF (Dimethylfumarates) has been approved by the FDA as a new first-line oral drug to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, while a phase 3 study of another promising candidate, CDDO-Me, was terminated for safety reasons. Directly inhibiting Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interactions as a novel Nrf2-modulating strategy has many advantages over using electrophilic Nrf2 activators. The development of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors has become a topic of intense research, and potent inhibitors of this target have been identified. In addition, inhibiting Nrf2 activity has attracted an increasing amount of attention because it may provide an alternative cancer therapy. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE system. The main focus of this review is on recent progress in studies of agents that target the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway and the therapeutic applications of such agents.

The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE Pathway As a Potential Preventive and Therapeutic Target: An Update.

Small molecules inhibit the interaction of Nrf2 and the Keap1 Kelch domain through a non-covalent mechanism.

Bispecific immunoglobulin-like antibodies capable of engaging multiple antigens represent a promising new class of therapeutic agents. Engineering of these molecules requires optimization of the molecular properties of one of the domain components. Here, we present a detailed crystallographic and computational characterization of the stabilization patterns in the lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTβR) binding Fv domain of an anti-LTβR/anti-TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand receptor-2 (TRAIL-R2) bispecific immunoglobulin-like antibody. We further describe a new hierarchical structure-guided approach toward engineering of antibody-like molecules to enhance their thermal and chemical stability. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Structural understanding of stabilization patterns in engineered bispecific Ig-like antibody molecules.

Monoclonal antibodies capable of recognizing antigens with high affinity and specificity represent a wellestablished class of biological agents. Since the development of hybridoma technology in 1975, advances in recombinant DNA technologies and computational and biophysical methods have allowed us to develop a better understanding of the relationships between antibody sequence, structure, and function. These advances enable us to manipulate antibody sequences with the goal of improving upon, or creating new biological or biophysical properties. In this review we will focus on recent successes in using structure-guided computational methods to design antibodies and antibody-like molecules with optimized affinity and specificity to antigen and for enhancing protein stability.

Structure-Guided Design of Antibodies

In one aspect, the disclosure provides neutralizing antibodies against JCV and methods for the treatment of PML. In some embodiments, aspects of the invention relate to an isolated JC-vims neutralizing monoclonal antibody against JCV capsid protein VPI (JCV-VP1 ). In some embodiments, the antibody suppresses infectivity of the JC-vims. In some embodiments, the antibody binds the sialic acid binding pocket of JCV-VP1.

Jcv neutralizing antibodies

La presente invention concerne des composes utiles en tant quinhibiteurs de Btk, leurs compositions et des procedes les utilisant.

Deping Wang

Papers

Small molecules inhibit the interaction of Nrf2 and the Keap1 Kelch domain through a non-covalent mechanism.

Structural understanding of stabilization patterns in engineered bispecific Ig-like antibody molecules.

Structure-Guided Design of Antibodies

Jcv neutralizing antibodies

Inhibiteurs de tyrosine kinase de bruton