Synthesis and evaluation of 2,5-diamino and 2,5-dianilinomethyl pyridine analogues as potential CXCR4 antagonists.

CXCR4 and its cognate ligand CXCL12 has been linked to various pathways such as cancer metastasis, inflammation, HIV-1 proliferation, and auto-immune diseases. Small molecules have shown potential as CXCR4 inhibitors and modulators, and therefore can mitigate diseases related to the CXCR4-CXCL12 pathway. We have designed and synthesized a series of 2,5-diamino and 2,5-dianilinomethyl pyridine derivatives as potential CXCR4 antagonists. Thirteen compounds have an effective concentration (EC) of 100 nM or less in a binding affinity assay and nine of these have at least 75% inhibition of invasion in Matrigel binding assay. Compounds 3l, 7f, 7j, and 7p show a minimal reduction in inflammation when carrageenan paw edema test is conducted. Overall, these compounds show potential as CXCR4 antagonist.