Abstract:
Novel dual-targeted, bifunctional anti-influenza drugs formed by conjugation with anti-inflammatory agents are disclosed. Exemplary drugs according to the invention include caffeic acid (CA)-bearing zanamivir (ZA) conjugates ZA-7-CA (1), ZA-7-CA-amide (7) and ZA-7-Nap (43) for simultaneous inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Synthetic methods for preparation of these enhanced anti-influenza conjugate drugs are provided. The synthetic bifunctional ZA conjugates act synergistically towards protection of mice lethally infected by H1N1 or H5N1 influenza viruses. The efficacy of ZA-7-CA, ZA-7-CA-amide and ZA-7-Nap conjugates is much greater than the combination therapy of ZA with anti-inflammatory agents.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to synthetic alpha-galactosyl ceramide (α-GalCer) analogs, and their use as immunotherapies. In one aspect. a method of activating a cytokine response in a subject includes administering an effective amount of a compound to a subject, wherein the subject has an adaptive immune system that includes a population of cells, the population including at least one lymphocyte and at least one antigen-presenting cell, and wherein the compound is represented by the structure of formula 1: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; forming a complex between the compound and the antigen-presenting cell, wherein the formation of the complex results in the activation of a receptor on the lymphocyte; and activating the lymphocyte to produce the cytokine response.