9z03
Cryo-EM structure of VVD-908 NLRP3 complex
Structural highlights
DiseaseNLRP3_HUMAN CINCA syndrome with NLRP3 mutations;Familial cold urticaria;Muckle-Wells syndrome. The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. FunctionNLRP3_HUMAN As the sensor component of the NLRP3 inflammasome, plays a crucial role in innate immunity and inflammation. In response to pathogens and other damage-associated signals, initiates the formation of the inflammasome polymeric complex, made of NLRP3, PYCARD and CASP1 (and possibly CASP4 and CASP5). Recruitment of proCASP1 to the inflammasome promotes its activation and CASP1-catalyzed IL1B and IL18 maturation and secretion in the extracellular milieu. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is also required for HMGB1 secretion (PubMed:22801494). The active cytokines and HMGB1 stimulate inflammatory responses. Inflammasomes can also induce pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death. Under resting conditions, NLRP3 is autoinhibited. NLRP3 activation stimuli include extracellular ATP, reactive oxygen species, K(+) efflux, crystals of monosodium urate or cholesterol, beta-amyloid fibers, environmental or industrial particles and nanoparticles, etc. However, it is unclear what constitutes the direct NLRP3 activator. Independently of inflammasome activation, regulates the differentiation of T helper 2 (Th2) cells and has a role in Th2 cell-dependent asthma and tumor growth (By similarity). During Th2 differentiation, required for optimal IRF4 binding to IL4 promoter and for IRF4-dependent IL4 transcription. Binds to the consensus DNA sequence 5'-GRRGGNRGAG-3'. May also participate in the transcription of IL5, IL13, GATA3, CCR3, CCR4 and MAF (By similarity).[UniProtKB:Q8R4B8][1] [2] Publication Abstract from PubMedBACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The NLRP3 inflammasome is an attractive therapeutic target for multiple inflammatory conditions. Although inhibitors have been developed, their chemical diversity is limited, and their properties are not ideal for brain penetrance, which is desirable for treating neuroinflammatory disorders. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We applied our chemoproteomics platform to survey our electrophilic fragment collection to identify inhibitors of NLRP3. We focused our attention on compounds that bind Cys463, as this residue was identified as an allosteric sensor of NLRP3 function. KEY RESULTS: A novel inhibitor series was identified bearing a butynamide electrophile and a unique spirocyclic lactam core. Compounds from this series displayed mid-nanomolar potency and were found to inhibit IL-1beta secretion in a Cys463-dependent manner. Cryo-EM structures revealed that ligand binding to Cys463 stabilizes an inactive conformation, thereby preventing structural rearrangements required for inflammasome activation. These compounds displayed attractive pharmacokinetic properties and, notably, Kp,uu values >0.5, suggesting the potential to address neuroinflammatory disorders. Administration of a representative compound to humanized mice resulted in clear NLRP3 Cys463 target-engagement and profound suppression of LPS- and ATP-induced IL-1beta secretion, demonstrating clear proof-of-concept in vivo. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Chemoproteomics-based ligand discovery is intrinsically function-agnostic and has the potential to identify novel pockets on even well-characterized protein targets. Here, optimization of ligands targeting Cys463 of NLRP3 within a previously uncharacterized allosteric pocket led to a unique and potent inhibitor series with attractive physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties for the potential treatment of diseases involving aberrant innate immune activation in both central and peripheral tissues. Chemoproteomic discovery of a brain-penetrant, covalent NLRP3 inhibitor that binds a novel allosteric pocket.,Rogness DC, Sievert EP, Vartabedian VF, Bernard SM, Aitchison E, Tao W, Lindvall M, Qian J, Eissler CL, Nordin BE, Horning BD, Kingston C, Lamb KN, Bell JC, Lu B, Pollock J, Shi J, Khattri R, Weinstein DS, Patricelli MP, Cook BN, Simon GM Br J Pharmacol. 2026 Aug 8. doi: 10.1111/bph.70626. PMID:42569816[3] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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