Lead optimization of allophenylnorstatine-containing inhibitors as therapeutic drug and application to peptidomimic protease probe

Hidaka, Koshi*; Adachi, Motoyasu; Kuroki, Ryota; Tokai, Satoko*; Akaji, Kenichi*; Tsuda, Yuko*; Kiso, Yoshiaki*

In the HIV protease inhibitor study, we faced on a problem of much difference in activity of a compound with 2,6-dimethylphenoxyacetyl moiety against the enzyme and the virus. The protease inhibitory potency was plateau because of the limited structural modifications. Therefore, we shifted to modify the property such as reduction of the hydrophobicity. During the struggles, amino substitution succeeded in improving the water solubility to enhance the anti-HIV activity and with the sustained protease inhibitory activity. This result stimulated us to modify the Apns-containing inhibitors for the development of therapeutic drug and to utilize them as aspartic proteases probes.