WO2006074426A2

WO2006074426A2 - Cxcr4 antagonists for the treatment of hiv infection

Info

Publication number: WO2006074426A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/000600
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hyunsuk Shim; Dennis C. Liotta; James P. Snyder; Weiqiang Zhan; Zhongxing Liang
Original assignee: Emory University
Priority date: 2005-01-07
Filing date: 2006-01-09
Publication date: 2006-07-13
Also published as: CA2593612A1; US20160002174A1; JP2008535779A; WO2006074426A8; EP1838321A2; US20140039187A1; MX2007008326A; US8114884B2; AU2006203826A1; US8008312B2; AP2007004095A0; IL184424A0; EP1838321A4; US20060264451A1; WO2006074426A3; US20070054930A1

Abstract

The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use of certain compounds that are antagonists of the chemokine CXCR4 receptor, and in particular to inhibit viral entry of certain viruses. Certain compounds in particular can reduce entry of immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into a cell while not reducing the capacity of stem cells to proliferate, and therefore can be useful for long term treatment regimes. The compounds are useful in particular in the treatment or prevention of HIV infections.

Description

CXCR4 ANTAGONISTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/642,375, filed January 7, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/642,374, filed January 7, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use of certain compounds that are antagonists of the chemokine CXCR4 receptor. The compounds are useful to modulate a medical condition that is modulated by CXCR4 receptor activity or signaling, and in particular in the treatment or prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infections (HTV).

BACKGROUND

As of the end of 2004, an estimated 39.4 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 850,000 to 950,000 U.S. residents are living with HTV infection (UNAIDS/WHO AIDS epidemic update, December 2004; Fleming, PX. et al. HTV Prevalence in the United States, 2000. 9th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Seattle, Wash., Feb. 24-28, 2002. Abstract 11). Although new infections have decreased in recent years, an estimated 4.9 million new HIV infections occurred worldwide during 2004 and approximately 40,000 new HIV infections occur each year in the United States.

HIV entry within the target cells involves a series of molecular events. The three main steps of virus entry within the cell are: (i) attachment of the virus to the host cells; (ii) interaction of the virus with the co-receptors; (iii) fusion of the virus and host cell membranes. Considering the complexity of the molecular events involved in viral infection, all three of these steps have been considered for the drug design of HIV entry inhibitors. The T-lymphocyte cell surface protein CD4 is the primary receptor involved in the interaction with the viral glycoprotein gpl20, but a cellular co-receptor is also needed for the successful entry of the virus within the cell. At least two types of such co-receptors have been identified so far, both of which are chemokine receptors. These chemokine receptors are therefore gateways for HIV entry, determinants of viral tropism and sensitivity. Chemokines are a superfamily of small, secreted cytokines that induce, through their interaction with G-protein-coupled receptors, cytoskeletal rearrangements and directional migration of several cell types (Butcher,et al. (1999) Adv Immunol 72: 209-253; Campbell and Butcher (2000) Curr Opin Immunol 12: 336-341; Zlotnik and Yoshie (2000) Immunity 12: 121-127). The chemokine receptor, CXCR4, is known in viral research as a major coreceptor for the entry of T cell line-tropic HIV (Feng, et al. (1996) Science 272: 872-877; Davis, et al. (1997) J Exp Med 186: 1793-1798; Zaitseva, et al. (1997) Nat Med 3: 1369- 1375; Sanchez, et al. (1997) J Biol Chem.212: 27529-27531). T Stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-I) is a chemokine that interacts specifically with CXCR4. When SDF-I binds to CXCR4, CXCR4 activates Goti-protein-mediated signaling (pertussis toxin-sensitive) (Chen, et al. (1998) MoI Pharmacol 53: 177-181), including downstream kinase pathways such as Ras/MAP Kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt in lymphocyte, megakaryocytes, and hematopoietic stem cells (Bleul, et al. (1996) Nature 382: 829-833; Deng, et al. (1997) Nature 388: 296-300; Kijowski, et al. (2001) Stem Cells 19: 453-466; Majka, et al. (2001) Folia. Histochem. Cytobiol. 39: 235-244; Sotsios, et al. (1999) J. Immunol. 163: 5954-5963; Vlahakis, et al. (2002) J. Immunol. 169: 5546-5554).

Compounds targeting CXCR4 have been developed which are aimed at treatment of HTV infection. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,429,308 to Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. discloses an antisense oligonucleotide to CXCR4 to inhibit the expression of the CXCR4 protein for use as an anti-HIV agent.

Peptide antagonists of CXCR4 receptors have also been disclosed. Tamamura et al (Tamamura, et al. (2000) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 10: 2633-2637; Tamamura, et al. (2001) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 11: 1897-1902) reported the identification of a specific peptide- based CXCR4 inhibitor, T140. T140 is a 14-residue peptide that possessed high levels of anti-HIV activity and antagonism of T cell line-tropic HIV-I entry among all antagonists of CXCR4 (Tamamura, et al. (1998) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 253: 877-882). The compound has been altered to increase its efficacy and bioavailability by, for example, amidating the C-terminal of T- 140 and reducing the total positive charges by substituting basic residues with nonbasic polar amino acids to generate TN 14003, which is less cytotoxic and more stable in serum compared to T140. The concentration of TN14003 required for 50% protection of HTV-induced cytopathogenicity in MT-4 cells is 0.6 nM in contrast to 410 μM leading to 50% toxicity. U.S. Patent No. 6,344,545 to Progenies Pharmaceuticals, Inc. describes methods for preventing HTV-I infection of CD4+ cells with peptide fragments. U.S. Patent No. 6,534,626 to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services describes certain peptide chemokine variants for treating HIV infections.

Although advances have been made, inadequate absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion or toxicity properties of peptide inhibitors have limited their clinical use. Small non-peptide drugs remain a major goal of medicinal chemistry programs in this area.

At the present time, the metal-chelating cyclams and bicyclams represent one of the few reported non-peptide molecules to effectively block CXCR4 (Onuffer and Horuk (2002) Trends Pharmacol Sd 23: 459-467.36). One of these non-peptide molecules is AMD3100, which entered clinical trials as an anti-HIV drug that blocks CXCR4-mediated viral entry (Donzella, et al. (1998) Nat Med 4: 72-77; Hatse, et al. (2002) FEBS Lett 527: 255-262; Fujii, et al. (2003) Expert Opin Investig Drugs 12: 185-195; Schols, et al. (1997) Antiviral Res 35: 147-156).

However, a clinical study showed cardiac-related side effect of AMD3100 (Scozzafava, et al. (2002) J Enzyme InHb Med Chem 17: 69-7641). In fact, AMD3100, was recently withdrawn from the clinical trials due in part to a cardiac-related side effect (Hendrix, et al. (2004) Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 37(2)). The latter was not a result of the compound's ability to block CXCR4 function, but due to its presumed structural capacity for encapsulating metals.

Other nitrogen containing bicyclic molecules have also been developed as CXCR4 antagonists. European Patent Publication No. 1 431 290 and PCT Publication No. WO 02/094261 to Kureha Chemical Industry Co., Ltd cover CXCR4 inhibitors that are potentially useful in treating various diseases including HIV infection.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0254221 to Yamamazi, et al. also provides compounds and use thereof to treat various diseases including HIV infections that are CXCR4 antagonists. The compounds are of the general formula:

in which A is A₁-G₁-N(R₁)-; A₁ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted, mono- or polycyclic, heteroaromatic or aromatic ring; Gi is a single bond or -C(R₂)(R₃)-; R₁, R₂, and R₃ can be optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups; W is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon or heterocyclic ring; x is — C(=O)NH — ; y is — C(=O) — ; and D₁ is hydrogen atom, alkyl with a polycyclic aromatic ring, or amine.

PCT Publication No. WO 00/56729 and U.S. Patent No. 6,750,348 to AnorMED describe certain heterocyclic small molecule CXCR4 binding compounds, teaching that these are useful for the protection against HIV infection. The compounds are of the general formula:

in which W can be a nitrogen or carbon atom; Y is absent or is hydrogen; R¹ to R⁷ can be hydrogen or straight, branched or cyclic C_1-6 alkyl; R⁸ is a substituted heterocyclic or aromatic group; Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring; and X is specified ring structure.

PCT Publication No. WO 2004/091518 to AnorMED also describes certain substituted nitrogen containing compounds that bind to CXCR4 receptors. The compounds are described as having the effect of increasing progenitor cells and/or stem cells, enhancing production of white blood cells, and exhibiting antiviral properties. PCT Publication No. WO 2004/093817 to AnorMED also discloses substituted heterocyclic CXCR4 antagonists which are described as useful to alleviate inflammatory conditions and elevate progenitor cells, as well as white blood cell counts. Similarly, PCT Publication No. WO 2004/106493 to AnorMED describes heterocyclic compounds that bind to CXCR4 and CCR5 receptors consisting of a core nitrogen atom surrounded by three pendant groups, wherein two of the three pendant groups are preferably benzimidazolyl methyl and tetrahydroquinolyl, and the third pendant group contains nitrogen and optionally contains additional rings. The compounds demonstrate protective effects against infections of target cells by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is an object of the invention to provide new compounds, methods and compositions for the treatment of viral infection, notably HTV.

SUMMARY

Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of diseases viral diseases, notably HIV, or symptoms associated with HTV infection or AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) are provided. While not wanting to be bound by theory, it is believed that the compounds provided herein may interfere with the binding of the native SDF-I ligand to the CXCR4 receptor and inhibit activation of the receptor and subsequent downstream signaling pathways. The invention provides compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pathogenic conditions including certain viral diseases, in particular HIV infection, and particularly for the reduction of cell invasion by the virus. The compounds, methods and compositions include an effective treatment amount of a compound of Formulas (I)-(XVII), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof.

In one embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, OR, NH₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl, aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

In another embodiment, the compound has the formula:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, and V are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, OR, NH₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where each R and R are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups;

R^a is independently selected from R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, OR, NH₂, NHR, NO₂, NR₂, SO₂, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, C(O)R, CO₂H, CO₂R; n ,n' and n" are independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl, aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR¹)-) groups.

In another embodiment the compound has the formula:

each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, and V are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, OR, NH₂, NHR,

NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where each R and R are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups;

R^a, n, n' and n" and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above. In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HTV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula Ha or lib, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

A and B are one and two atom tethers independently selected from -CR=, -CR₃R₄-, -CR₃=, - N=, -O-, -NR₃-, -S-, -CR₃=CR₄-, -CR₃R₄-CR₅R₆-, -CR₃=N-, -CR₀R₄-NR₅-, -N=CR₃-, and - NR₃-CR₄R₅-;

R and R¹ are as defined above;

-D-E- and -G-J- are independently either -NR₃-CR₄- or -N=C-; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HTV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and R, R', R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In a further embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula IVa or IVb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R, R', R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above. In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof isincluding a compound of Formula Va, Vb or Vc, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and R, R', R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In a further embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HTV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula VIa or VIb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R, R', R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5, R₆, R7 and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In yet another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula VII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; and M is O, S or NR₃-

In a further embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula VIIIa or VIIIb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above; and M is O, S orNR₃.

In a ninth principal embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula IX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; A* is independently selected from the group consisting of formulas a-g:

; and

M is O, S or NR₃.

In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula X, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and

A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above; and

A* is as defined above; and

M is as defined above.

In another principal embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula XI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula XII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and

A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula XIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

K, Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5 and R₆ are as defined above; and

"spacer" is independently a bond, straight chained or branched C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₂-C₅ alkenyl, C₂-C₅ alkynyl, C₁-C₅ alkoxy, C₂-C₅ alkenoxy, and C₂-C₅ alkynoxy wherein the alkyl group can be substituted by a heteroatom (such as N, O or S) for example -CH₂-OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂-, -CH₂-OCH₂CH2-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂CH₂- OCH₂-, -GH₂GH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂CH₂-, -(CH₂)_n-OH(CH₃)-(CH₂)_n-, CH₂-OH(CH₃)-O-CH₂, -(CH₂)n-, -(CH₂)n-C0-, -(CH₂)n-N-, -(CH₂)n-0-, -(CH₂)n-S-, - (CH₂O)-, -(OCH₂)-, -(SCH₂)-, -(CH₂S-), -(aryl-O)-, -(O-aryl)-, -(alkyl-O)-, -(O-alkyl)- wherein n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

In another principal embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula XIVa or XIVb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

K, Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; "spacer" is as defined above; and "heterocycle" and "heteroaromatic" are as defined herein.

In one embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HIV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS is provided including administering a compound of Formula (I)-(XVII) to a host. In certain embodiments, the compound can be provided to a host in combination with treatment of the infection with a second active compound. In a separate embodiment, the compound is provided to a patient that has been treated for viral infection to keep viral load low, or reduce mortality associated with a particular infection, for example by reducing progression of AIDS related symptoms. The compound of Formula (I)-(XVII) can also be provided in conjunction with another active compound. In one particular embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HIV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS is provided including administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

In a particular subembodiment, the compound is a salt of a compound of Formula XV, particularly a chloride salt.

In another particular embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HIV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS is provided that includes contacting the cells with a compound of Formula XVI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

In another particular embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HFV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS is provided that includes contacting the cells with a compound of Formula XVII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

In a separate embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HTV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS by administering a compound of Formulas (I)- (XVII) to a host in need of treatment is provided. The compounds of the invention can be administered to a host in need thereof to reduce the incidence of recurrence of infection.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a host infected with other infections associated with CXCR4 receptor activation, for example, liver diseases associated with flavivirus or pestivirus infection, and in particular, HCV or HBV, by administering an effective amount of a compound described herein. The cell can be in a host animal, including a human.

In another embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions including at least one compound of Formulas (I)-(XVII) are provided. In certain embodiments, at least a second active compound is administered to the host to achieve combination therapy. The second active compound can be another antiviral agent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows images of stained cells and blots indicating the specificity of TN14003. A: The binding of TN14003 to CXCR4 was blocked by preincubation of 400ng/ml SDF-I . Cells were immunostained by using biotin-labeled control peptide (a) or biotin- labeled TN14003 (b & c) and streptavidin-conjugated rhodamine (red). Cells were preincubated with SDF-I for 10 min and then fixed in ice-cold acetone (c). B: Northern blot analysis and western blot analysis results show the different expression levels of CXCR4 from breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435. β-actin was used as a loading control for both. C: Confocal micrographs of CXCR4 protein on cell's surface from MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 cell lines by using biotinylated TN14003 and streptavidin-conjugated R-PE (red color). Nuclei were counter-stained by cytox blue. D: Representative immunofluorescence staining of CXCR4 with the biotinylated TN14003 on paraffin embedded tissue sections of breast cancer patients and normal breast tissue.

Figure 2 is an image of a western blot showing phosphorylation of Akt. Incubating MDA-MB-231 cells with 100 ng/ml of SDF-I for 30 min stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. This activation was blocked with TN14003 or AMD3100 in a dose-dependent manner.

Figure 3 is a graph of HRE activity. The graph shows that HRE-Luc MB-231 cells have moderately high HRE activity in normoxia that can be suppressed by either CXCR4 siRNA or HIF-I siRNA. HRE acitivity increase 2.5 fold in hypoxia that can also be suppressed by either CXCR4 siRNA or HIF-I siRNA. Figure 4 shows images of a drug screen methodology utilizing biotin-labeled TN14003 as a reporter.

Figure 5 shows images of stained cells. Biotin-labeled TN14003 was used to detect CXCR4 protein from the cells pre-incubated with various concentrations of WZZL81 IS. Results indicate that IC50 of WZZL81 IS is less than 1 nM.

Figure 6 shows the chemical structure of WZZL811S.

Figure 7 shows a graph of the HPLC analysis performed as described in Example 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compounds, methods and compositions to treat or prevent HIV infection, reduce viral load or alleviate progression towards or the symptoms of AIDS in a host in need thereof.

Compounds described herein have the capacity to interact with CXCR4 receptors and potentially inhibit receptor signaling. It was found that these compounds have increased bioavailability and efficacy in inhibiting CXCR4 receptors and SDF-I -dependent signaling over known CXCR4 antagonists.

Active Compound, and Physiologically Acceptable Salts and Prodrugs Thereof

In one embodiment, a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided for the treatment or prevention of HTV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X₅ Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, OR, NH₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR¹, S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; and . R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups In one subembodiment of Formula I, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

Zou et al. (Zou, et al. (2003) Acta Cryst. E59: online 1312-ol313) described the synthesis of a potentially tetradentate ligand, 1,4-bis-(pyridine-2-aminomethyl)benzene. Zou described this compound as a potential ligand for metal ions.

In a subembodiment, a compound of Formula I-1 to I-10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above. In another sub-embodiment, a compound of Formula I- 11 to 1-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug, is provided for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, , or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula IIa or lIb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

A and B are one and two atom tethers independently selected from -CR=, -CR3R4-, -CR3=, - N=, -O-, -NR₃-, -S-, -CR₃=CR₄-, -CR₃R₄-CR₅R₆-, -CR₃=N-, -CR₃R₄-NR₅-, -N=CR₃-, and - NR₃-CR₄R₅-;

-D-E- and -G-J- are independently either -NR₃-CR₄- or -N=C-; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₅, R₇ and R₈ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl, aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

In one subembodiment of Formula II, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In a subembodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula II-1 to II-18 , or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; A and -D-E- are as defined above; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above.

In another subembodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula II-19 through II-30, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; A, B, -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above. In another embodiment, a compound of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided for the treatment or prevention of HTV infection, , or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In one subembodiment of Formula III, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

Reyes et al. (Reyes, et al. (2002) Tetrahedron 58:8573-8579) described the synthesis of certain polyamines from starting pyridinium N-aminides.

In a subembodiment, a compound of Formula III-1 through III- 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula III- 11 through III-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula IVa or IVb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In one subembodiment of Formula IVa or IVb, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In one subembodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula IV-1 to IV- 12, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and -D-E- are as defined above;

In another subembodiment, compounds of the Formula IV- 13 to IV-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, are provided:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A, B, -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In another embodiment, a compound of Formula Va, Vb, or Vc or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, , or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In one subembodiment of Formula Va-c, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula V-1 through V-3, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula V-4 through V-9, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula VIa or VIb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; Q, T, U, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In one subembodiment of Formula VIa or b, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula VI-I to VI-6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein Q, T, U, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and -D-E- are as defined above.

In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula VI-7 to VI-10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein

Q, T, U, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and

A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In another embodiment, a compound of Formula VII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof is provided for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, , or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; and M is O, S or NR₃. In one subembodiment of Formula VII, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula VII-1 to VII-10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein

U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; and

M is O, S orNR₃. In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula VII-11 to VII-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein

U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; and M is O, S or NR₃.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula VIlIa or VIIIb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

In one subembodiment of Formula VIlla or b, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In a subembodiment, a compound of Formula VIII-1 to VIII- 12, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein

M, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and -D-E- are as defined above.

In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula VIII-13 to VIII-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

wherein

M, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A, B, -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula IX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above;

A* is independently selected from the group consisting of formulas a-g:

; and

M is O, S or NR₃.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula IX-1 to IX- 12 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula IX- 13 to IX-24 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

M, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5 and R₆ are as defined above.

In yet another subembodiment, a compound of Formula IX-25 to IX-36 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

M, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and Ri, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound of Formula X, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH; W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above; and A* is as defined above; and M is as defined above.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula X-1 to X- 14 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

M, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In another subembodiment, a compound of Formula X-15 to X-28 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

M, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and

A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In yet another subembodiment, a compound of Formula X-29 to X-38 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

In another embodiment, a compound of Formula XI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof is provided for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, , or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5 and R₆ are as defined above.

In one subembodiment of Formula XI, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula XI-1 to XI-6 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

In another embodiment, a compound of Formula XII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, , or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and

A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

In one subembodiment of Formula XII, Y and Z are each hydrogen. Alternatively, W and X are each hydrogen. In yet another subembodiment, W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

In one subembodiment, a compound of Formula XII-1 to XII-5 is provided, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

Q, T, U, V, W, X. Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are as defined above; and A and B and -D-E- and -G-J- are as defined above.

wherein

K, Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above; and

"spacer" is independently a bond, straight chained or branched C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₂-C₅ alkenyl, C₂-C₅ alkynyl, Ci-C₅ alkoxy, C₂-C₅ alkenoxy, and C₂-C₅ alkynoxy wherein the alkyl group can be substituted by a heteroatom (such as N, O or S) for example -CH₂-OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂- OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂-, -CH₂-OCH₂CH2-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂CH₂- OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂CH₂-, -(CH₂)_n-OH(CH₃)-(CH₂)_n-, CH₂-OH(CH₃)-O-CH₂, -(CH₂)n-, -(CH₂)n-C0-, -(CH₂)n-N-, -(CH₂)n-O-, -(CH₂)n-S-, - (CH₂O)-, -(OCH₂)-, -(SCH₂)-, -(CH₂S-), -(aryl-O)-, -(O-aryl)-, -(alkyl-O)-, -(O-alkyl)- wherein n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

In another embodiment, a method, compound and pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection, or for reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS, in a host in need thereof is provided including a compound of Formula XIVa or XIVb, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof:

wherein

K, Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are as defined above;

"spacer" is as defined above; and

"heterocycle" and "heteroaromatic" are as defined herein.

In one particular embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HIV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS is provided including contacting the cells with a compound of Formula XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

In another particular embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HIV infection, or of reducing symptoms associated with AIDS is provided that includes contacting the cells with a compound of Formula XVII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, is provided:

Definitions

The term alkyl, as used herein, unless otherwise specified, includes but is not limited to a saturated straight, branched, or cyclic, primary, secondary, or tertiary hydrocarbon of typically C₁ to C₁₀, and specifically includes methyl, trifluoromethyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, butyl, isoburyl, t-butyl, pentyl, cyclopenryl, isopentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, and 2,3- dimethylbutyl. The term optionally includes substituted alkyl groups. Moieties with which the alkyl group can be substituted are selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, sulfate, phosphonic acid, phosphate, or phosphonate, either unprotected, or protected as necessary, as known to those skilled in the art, for example, as taught in Greene, et ah, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, hereby incorporated by reference.

Whenever the terms "C₁-C₅ alkyl ", "C₂-C₅ alkenyl", "C₁-C₅ alkoxy", "C₂-C₅ alkenoxy", "C₂-C₅ alkynyl", and "C₂-C₅ alkynoxy" are used, these are considered to include, independently, each member of the group, such that, for example, C₁-C₅ alkyl includes straight, branched and where appropriate cyclic C\, C2, C3, C4 and C5 alkyl functionalities; C2-C5 alkenyl includes straight, branched, and where appropriate cyclic C2, C3, C4 and C 5 alkenyl functionalities; C1-C5 alkoxy includes straight, branched, and where appropriate cyclic Cj, C2, C3, C4 and C5 alkoxy functionalities; C2-C5 alkenoxy includes straight, branched, and where appropriate cyclic C2, C3, C4 _an(j C5 alkenoxy functionalities; C2-C5 alkynyl includes straight, branched and where appropriate cyclic C\, C2, C3, C 4 and C5 alkynyl functionalities; and C2-C5 alkynoxy includes straight, branched, and where appropriate cyclic C2, C3, C4 and C5 alkynoxy functionalities.

The term lower alkyl, as used herein, and unless otherwise specified, includes a Cj to C4 saturated straight, branched, or if appropriate, a cyclic (for example, cyclopropyl) alkyl group, optionally including substituted forms. Unless otherwise specifically stated in this application, when alkyl is a suitable moiety, lower alkyl is preferred. Similarly, when alkyl or lower alkyl is a suitable moiety, unsubstituted alkyl or lower alkyl is preferred.

The term alkylamino or arylamino refers to an amino group that has one or two alkyl or aryl substituents, respectively.

The term "protected" as used herein and unless otherwise defined refers to a group that is added to an oxygen, nitrogen, or phosphorus atom to prevent its further reaction or for other purposes. A wide variety of oxygen and nitrogen protecting groups are known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis.

The term aryl, as used herein, and unless otherwise specified, refers to phenyl, biphenyl, or naphthyl, and preferably phenyl. The term includes both substituted and unsubstituted moieties. The aryl group can be substituted with any desired substituent that does not adversely affect the key biological properties, including but not limited to moieties selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, thiol, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, halo (F, Cl, I, Br), carboxy, ester, acyl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, sulfate, phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, phosphate, or phosphonate, either unprotected, or protected as necessary, as known to those skilled in the art, for example, as taught in Greene, et al., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991.

The term alkaryl or alkylaryl refers to an alkyl group with an aryl substituent. The term aralkyl or arylalkyl refers to an aryl group with an alkyl substituent.

The term halo, as used herein, includes chloro, bromo, iodo, and fluoro. The term acyl refers to a carboxylic acid ester in which the non-carbonyl moiety of the ester group is selected from straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl or lower alkyl, alkoxyalkyl including methoxymethyl, aralkyl including benzyl, aryloxyalkyl such as phenoxymethyl, aryl including phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, C\ to C4 alkyl or Cj to C4 alkoxy, sulfonate esters such as alkyl or aralkyl sulphonyl including methanesulfonyl, the mono, di or triphosphate ester, trityl or monomethoxytrityl, substituted benzyl, trialkylsilyl (e.g. dimethyl- t-butylsilyl) or diphenylmethylsilyl. Aryl groups in the esters optimally comprise a phenyl group. The term "lower acyl" refers to an acyl group in which the non-carbonyl moiety is lower alkyl.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug" is used throughout the specification to describe any pharmaceutically acceptable form (such as an ester, phosphate ester, salt of an ester or a related group) of a compound which, upon administration to a patient, provides the compound described in the specification. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include those derived from pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic bases and acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluensulfonic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and the like. Suitable salts include those derived from alkali metals such as potassium and sodium, alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, among numerous other acids well known in the art. Pharmaceutically acceptable "prodrugs" can refer to a compound that is metabolized, for example hydrolyzed or oxidized, in the host to form the compound of the present invention. Typical examples of prodrugs include compounds that have biologically labile protecting groups on a functional moiety of the active compound. Prodrugs include compounds that can be oxidized, reduced, animated, deaminated, hydroxylated, dehydroxylated, hydrolyzed, dehydrolyzed, alkylated, dealkylated, acylated, deacylated, phosphorylated, dephosphorylated to produce the active compound.

The term "heterocyclic" refers to a nonaromatic cyclic group that may be partially or fully saturated and wherein there is at least one heteroatom, such as oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or phosphorus in the ring. The term heteroaryl or heteroaromatic, as used herein, refers to an aromatic that includes at least one sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen or phosphorus in the aromatic ring. Nonlimiting examples of heterocylics and heteroaromatics are pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, morpholino, thiornorpholino, tetrahydropyranyl, imidazolyl, pyrolinyl, pyrazolinyl, indolinyl, dioxolanyl, or 1,4-dioxanyl. aziridinyl, furyl, furanyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, benzoxazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4- thiadiazole, indazolyl, 1,3,5-triazinyl, thienyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuranyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, benzothienyl, isobenzofuryl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzimidazolyl, purine, carbazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, isooxazolyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, xanthinyl, hypoxanthinyl, pyrazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, 1,2,3-oxadiazole, thiazine, pyridazine, benzothiophenyl, isopyrrole, thiophene, pyrazine, or pteridinyl wherein said heteroaryl or heterocyclic group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen, haloalkyl, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, carboxyl derivatives, amido, hydroxyl, acyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, alkoxy, aryloxy, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, sulfate, phophonic acid, phosphate, or phosphonate, either unprotected, or protected as necessary, as known to those skilled in the art, for example, as taught in Greene, et al, "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis," John Wiley and Sons, Second Edition, 1991, hereby incorporated by reference. Heterocycle and heteraromatic groups include purine and pyrimidines.

Functional oxygen and nitrogen groups on the heteroaryl group can be protected as necessary or desired. Suitable protecting groups are well known to those skilled in the art, and include trimethylsilyl, dimethylhexylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, and t-butyldiphenylsilyl, trityl or substituted trityl, alkyl groups, acycl groups such as acetyl and propionyl, methanesulfonyl, and p-toluenelsulfonyl.

The term purine or pyrimidine includes, but is not limited to, adenine, N⁶- alkylpurines, N⁶-acylpurines (wherein acyl is C(O)(alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, or arylalkyl), N⁶- benzylpurine, N ⁶-halopurine, N⁶-vinylpurine, N⁶-acetylenic purine, N⁶-acyl purine, N⁶-hydroxyalkyl purine, N⁶-thioalkyl purine, N²-alkylpurines, N²-alkyl-6-thiopurines, thymine, cytosine, 5-fluorocytosine, 5-methylcytosine, 6-azapyrimidine, including 6-azacytosine, 2- and/or 4-mercaptopyrmidine, uracil, 5-halouracil, including 5-fluorouracil, C⁵-alkylpyrimidines, C⁵-benzylpyrimidines, C⁵-halopyrimidines, C⁵-vinylpyrimidine, C⁵- acetylenic pyrimidine, C⁵-acyl pyrimidine, C⁵-hydroxyalkyl purine, C⁵-amidopyrimidine, C⁵- cyanopyrimidine, C⁵-nitropyrimidine, C⁵-aminopyrimidine, N²-alkylpurines, N²-alkyl-6- thiopurines, 5-azacytidinyl, 5-azauracilyl, triazolopyridinyl, imidazolopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, and pyrazolopyrimidinyl. Purine bases include, but are not limited to, guanine, adenine, hypoxanthine, 2,6-diaminopurine, and 6-chloropurine. Processes for the Preparation of Active Compounds

General Methods. ¹H NMR or ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded either on 400 MHz or 100 MHz INOVA Spectrometer or 600 MHz or 150 MHz INOVA Spectrometer. The spectra obtained were referenced to the residual solvent peak. They were recorded in deuterated chloroform, dimethyl sulfoxide- dβ, deuterium oxide or acetone-(i6. Melting points were taken on a Thomas Hoover capillary melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. Low- resolution EI mass spectra were recorded on a JEOL spectrometer. Element analyses were performed by Atlantic Mircolab (Norcross, GA). Flash column chromatography was performed using Scientific Absorbent Incorporated Silica Gel 60. Analytical thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on precoated glass backed plates from Scientific Adsorbents Incorporated (Silica Gel 60 F₂₅₄). Plates were visualized using ultraviolet or iodine vapors or phosphomolybdic acid (PMA).

Six different methods were used to prepare the compounds of the invention and the characterization data were listed in Table 1.

Method A: Nucleophilic addition between amines and cyanamides. This method is performed according to a modified literature procedure (Braun, et al. (1938) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 3: 146-149). 1.0 eq. of diamine dihydrohalide and 3.0 eq. of cyanamide in absolute ethanol were stirred together under refluxing for hours. The solvent was removed under reducing pressure to get the crude salt which was purified by recrystallization in methanol.

Method B: Addition-elimination between amines and methyl mercapto derivatives. This method is almost similar to a literature procedure (Linton, et al. (2001) J. Org. Chem. 66(22): 7313-7319). 1.0 eq. of diamine and 2.0 eq. methyl mercapto hydrohalide derivatives were dissolved in methanol. A condenser equipped with a NaOH trap at the top was attached. After refluxing for hours, the solution was reduced to minimal volume under reduced pressure. Ethyl either was added to produce white precipitate. This was recrystallized in hot methanol to give pure product.

Method C: Condensation between aldehydes/ketones and amino guanidines to give guanylhydrozone derivatives. This method is modified from the literature procedure (Murdock, et al. (1982) J. Med. Chem. 25:505-518). A mixture of 1.0 eq. dialdehyde/ketone and 2.0 eq. amino guanidine hydrohalides in ethanol was heated under reflux for hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered to give the guanylhydrozone hydrohalides.

Method D: Reductive amination between aldehydes/ketones and amines (Abdel- Magid, et al. (1996) J. Org. Chem. 61:3849-3862). 1.0 eq. dialdehydes or ketones and 2.0 eq. amines were mixed in 1, 2-dichloroethane and then treated with 3.0 eq. sodium triacetoxyborohydride (1.0-2.0 mol eq. acetic acid may also be added in reactions of ketones). The mixture was stirred at room temperature under an argon or nitrogen atmosphere for hours until the disappearance of the reactants in TLC plates. The reaction mixture was quenched by adding 1 N NaOH, and the product was extracted by ethyl ether, washed by Brine and dried by anhydrous MgSO₄. The solvent was evaporated to give the crude free base which could be purified by chromatography. The free base dissolved in ethanolic hydrochloride or tartaric acid to give the salts which usually can recrystallize from MeOH/Et₂O.

Method E: Reduction of amides (Micovic and Mihailovic (1953) J. Org. Chem. 18:1190). The amides could be prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid or carboxylic chlorides. A mixture of carboxylic acid and thionyl chloride was refluxed for hours in an anhydrous system with a condenser equipped with a NaOH trap at the top. The excess thionyl chloride was removed under reduced pressure to get the carboxylic chloride. The carboxylic chloride was dissolved in dichloromethane following the addition of 2.0 eq. amine and 3 eq. pyridine. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until the disappearance of the reactants in the TLC plates. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to get the crude amides which can be purified by chromatography.

The mixture of 1 eq. amide and 1.9 eq. LiAlH₄ in THF was refluxed until the disappearance of the amide from TLC plates. Then the solution was quenched with the addition of water and 15% NaOH aqueous as described in lit.5 and extracted with ethyl ether, dried over MgSO₄. Removal of the solvent gave the free amine product which can be purified by the chromatography. The free base dissolved in ethanolic hydrochloride or tartaric acid to give the salts which usually can recrystallize from MeOH/Et₂O.

Method F: Nucleophilic substitution of halides with amines. A mixture of 1.0 eq. halides, 2.0 eq. amines and 3 eq. pyridine in ethanol was refluxed for hours until the disappearance of the reactants. The solution was condensed and extracted with ethyl ether, washed with brine, dried with MgSO₄. Removal of the solvent gave the free amine product which can be purified by the chromatography. The free base dissolved in ethanolic hydrochloride or tartaric acid to give the salts which usually can recrystallize from MeOH/Et₂O.

Additional compounds prepared and tested in cell assays to determine viral inhibition:

In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stable nontoxic acid or base salts, administration of the compound as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt may be appropriate. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are organic acid addition salts formed with acids, which form a physiological acceptable anion, for example, tosylate, methanesulfonate, acetate, citrate, malonate, tartarate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, α- ketoglutarate, and α-glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts may also be formed, including, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate, and carbonate salts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example by reacting a sufficiently basic compound such as an amine with a suitable acid affording a physiologically acceptable anion. Alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (for example calcium) salts of carboxylic acids can also be made.

The active compound can also be provided as a prodrug, which is converted into a biologically active form in vivo. A prodrug may be converted into the parent drug by various mechanisms, including enzymatic processes and metabolic hydrolysis. Harper, NJ. (1962) in Jucker, ed. Progress in Drug Research, 4:221-294; Morozowich et al. (1977) in E. B. Roche ed. Design of Biopharmaceutical Properties through Prodrugs and Analogs, APhA (Acad. Pharm. Sci.); E. B. Roche, ed. (1977) Bioreversible Carriers in Drug in Drug Design, Theory and Application, APhA; H. Bundgaard, ed. (1985) Design of Prodrugs, Elsevier; Wang et al. (1999) Curr. Pharm. Design. 5(4):265-287; Pauletti et al. (1997) Adv. Drug. Delivery Rev. 27:235-256; Mizen et al. (1998) Pharm. Biotech. 11:345-365; Gaignault et al. (1996) Pract. Med. Chem. 671-696; M. Asghamejad (2000) in G. L. Amidon, P. I. Lee and E. M. Topp, Eds., Transport Proc. Pharm. Sys., Marcell Dekker, p. 185-218; Balant et al. (1990) Eur. J. Drug Metab. Pharniacokinct., 15(2): 143-53; Balimane and Sinko (1999) Adv. Drug Deliv.Rev., 39(1-3): 183-209; Browne (1997). Clin. Neuropharm. 20(1): 1-12; Bundgaard (1979) Arch. Pharm. Chemi. 86(1): 1-39; H. Bundgaard, ed. (1985) Design of Prodrugs, New York: Elsevier; Fleisher et al. (1996) Adv. Drug Delivery Rev, 19(2): 115-130; Fleisher et al. (1985) Methods En∑ymol. 112: 360-81; Farquhar D, et al. (1983) J. Pharm. Set, 72(3): 324- 325; Han, H.K. et al. (2000) AAPS Pharm ScL, 2(1): E6; Sadzuka Y. (2000) Curr. Drug Metab., 1:31-48; D.M. Lambert (2000) Eur. J. Pharm. Set, 11 Suppl 2:S1 5-27; Wang, W. et al. (1999) Curr. Pharm. Des., 5(4):265.

The active compound can also be provided as a lipid prodrug. Nonlimiting examples of U.S. patents that disclose suitable lipophilic substituents that can be covalently incorporated into the compound or in lipophilic preparations, include U.S. Patent Nos. 5,149,794 (Sep. 22, 1992, Yatvin et al.); 5,194,654 (Mar. 16, 1993, Hostetler et al., 5,223,263 (June 29, 1993, Hostetler et al.); 5,256,641 (Oct. 26, 1993, Yatvin et al.); 5,411,947 (May 2, 1995, Hostetler et al.); 5,463,092 (Oct. 31, 1995, Hostetler et al.); 5,543,389 (Aug. 6, 1996, Yatvin et al.); 5,543,390 (Aug. 6, 1996, Yatvin et al.); 5,543,391 (Aug. 6, 1996, Yatvin et al.); and 5,554,728 (Sep. 10, 1996; Basava et al.).

Method of Treatment

The compounds described herein, are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disorder associated with CXCR4 receptor binding or activation, and particularly for the treatment of HIV or AIDS in a host in need thereof.

In one embodiment, a method of treating or preventing HIV infection or reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS is provided including administering a compound of at least one of Formula (I)-(XVII) to a host. In certain embodiments, the compound can be provided to a host before treatment of infection with another compound. In a separate embodiment, the compound is provided to a patient that has been treated for HTV infection to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, or reduce mortality associated with AIDS related symptoms. In another embodiment, the compound is administered to a host at high risk of suffering from HIV infections.

Host, including humans suffering from, or at risk for, HIV infection can be treated by administering an effective amount of the active compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug or salt thereof in the presence of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The administration can be prophylactically for the prevention of HIV infection or reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS. The active materials can be administered by any appropriate route, for example, orally, parepterally, intravenously, intradermally, subcutaneously, or topically, in liquid or solid form. However, the compounds are particularly suited to oral delivery. An exemplary dose of the compound will be in the range from about 1 to 50 mg/kg, preferably 1 to 20 mg/kg, of body weight per day, more generally 0.1 to about 100 mg per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day. The effective dosage range of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs can be calculated based on the weight of the parent compound to be delivered. If the salt, ester or prodrug exhibits activity in itself, the effective dosage can be estimated as above using the weight of the salt, ester or prodrug, or by other means known to those skilled in the art.

In one particular embodiment, a method for the treatment or prevention of HIV infection or AIDS is provided including providing an effective amount of a compound of Formula XIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug thereof, to a host or cell in need of such treatment:

In a particular subembodiment, the compound is a salt of a compound of Formula XIII, particularly a chloride salt.

In a separate embodiment, a method for the treatment or prevention of HTV infection or reduction of symptoms associated with AIDS by administering a compound of Formulas (I)-(XVII) to a host in need of treatment is provided. The compounds of the invention can be administered to a host in need thereof to reduce the severity of AIDS related disorders. In one embodiment of the invention, the host is a human.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating symptoms associated with other infections associated with CXCR4 receptor activation, for example, liver diseases associated with flavivirus or pestivirus infection, and in particular, HCV or HBV, by contacting a cell with a compound of Formula (I)-(XVII). The cell can be in a host animal, in particular in a human.

The compounds can treat or prevent HIV infection, or reduce the severity of AIDS related symptoms and diseases in any host. However, typically the host is a mammal and more typically is a human. In certain subembodiments the host has been diagnosed with AIDS prior to administration of the compound, however in other embodiments, the host is merely infected with HIV and asymptomatic. Pharmaceutical Compositions

In one embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions including at least one compound of Formulas (I)-(XVII) are provided. In certain embodiments, at least a second active compound is administered in combination or alternation with the first compound. The second active compound can be an antiviral, particularly an agent active against a HIV and in a particular embodiment, active against HIV-I.

Host, including humans suffering from, or at risk of contracting, HIV can be treated by administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of the active compound.

The compound is conveniently administered in unit any suitable dosage form, including but not limited to one containing 7 to 3000 mg, preferably 70 to 1400 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form. A oral dosage of 50-1000 mg is usually convenient. Ideally the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about IuM to 10OmM or from 0.2 to 700 uM, or about 1.0 to 10 uM.

The concentration of active compound in the drug composition will depend on absorption, inactivation, and excretion rates of the drug as well as other factors known to those of skill in the art. It is to be noted that dosage values will also vary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions, and that the concentration ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed composition. The active ingredient may be administered at once, or may be divided into a number of smaller doses to be administered at varying intervals of time.

A preferred mode of administration of the active compound is oral. Oral compositions will generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They may be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches or capsules. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.

The tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring. When the dosage unit form is a capsule, it can contain, in addition to material of the above type, a liquid carrier such as a fatty oil. In addition, dosage unit forms can contain various other materials which modify the physical form of the dosage unit, for example, coatings of sugar, shellac, or other enteric agents.

The compound can be administered as a component of an elixir, suspension, syrup, wafer, chewing gum or the like. A syrup may contain, in addition to the active compounds, sucrose as a sweetening agent and certain preservatives, dyes and colorings and flavors.

The compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug or salts thereof can also be mixed with other active materials that do not impair the desired action, or with materials that supplement the desired action, such as antibiotics, antifungals, antiinflammatories, or antiviral compounds, or with additional chemotherapeutic agents. Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, subcutaneous, or topical application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. The parental preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Corporation. If administered intravenously, preferred carriers are physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) are also preferred as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These may be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,811 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). For example, liposome formulations may be prepared by dissolving appropriate lipid(s) (such as stearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine, stearoyl phosphatidyl choline, arachadoyl phosphatidyl choline, and cholesterol) in an inorganic solvent that is then evaporated, leaving behind a thin film of dried lipid on the surface of the container. An aqueous solution of the active compound or its monophosphate, diphosphate, and/or triphosphate derivatives is then introduced into the container. The container is then swirled by hand to free lipid material from the sides of the container and to disperse lipid aggregates, thereby forming the liposomal suspension.

Combination and Alternation Therapy

In one embodiment, the compounds described herein are administered in combination or alternation with another active compound.

In one embodiment, the second active compound is a compound that is used as an anti-HTV agent, including but not limited to a nucleoside or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a protease inhibitor, a fusion inhibitor, cytokine and interferon. The compound provided in combination or alternation can, as a nonlimiting example, be selected from the following lists:

Further active agents include: GW5634 (GSK) , (+)Calanolide A (Sarawak Med.), Capravirine (Agouron), MIV-150 (Medivir/Chiron), TMC125 (Tibotec), RO033-4649 (Roche), TMCl 14 (Tibotec), Tipranavir (B-I), GW640385 (GSK/Vertex), Elvucitabine (Achillion Ph.), Alovudine (FLT) (B-I), MIV-210 (GSK/Medivir), Racivir (Pharmasset), SPD754 (Shire Pharm.), Reverset (Incyte Corp.), FP21399 (Fuji Pharm.), AMD070 (AnorMed), GW873140 (GSK), BMS-488043 (BMS), Schering C/D (417690), PRO 542 (Progenies Pharm), TAK-220 (Takeda), TNX-355 (Tanox), UK-427,857 (Pfizer).

Further active agents include: Attachment and Fusion Inhibitors (i.e. AMD070, BMS- 488043, FP21399, GW873140, PRO 542, Schering C, SCH 417690, TAK-220, TNX-355 and UK-427,857); Integrase Inhibitors; Maturation Inhibitors (i.e. PA457); Zinc Finger Inhibitors (i.e. azodicarbonamide (ADA)); Antisense Drugs (i.e. HGTV43 by Enzo Therapeutics, GEM92 by Hybridon); Immune Stimulators (i.e. Ampligen by Hemispherx Biopharma, IL-2 (Proleukin) by Chiron Corporation, Bay 50-4798 by Bayer Corporation, Multikine by Cel-Sci Corporation, IR103 combo); Vaccine-Like Treatment (i.e. HRG214 by Virionyx, DermaVir, VIR201 (Phase WIa)).

In one embodiment, the compounds of the invention are administered in combination with another active agent. The compounds can also be administered concurrently with the other active agent. In this case, the compounds can be administered in the same formulation or in a separate formulation. There is no requirement that the compounds be administered in the same manner. For example, the second active agent can be administered via intravenous injection while the compounds of the invention may be administered orally. In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention are administered in alternation with at least one other active compound. In a separate embodiment, the compounds of the invention are administered during treatment with an active agent, such as, for example, an agent listed above, and administration of the compounds of the invention is continued after cessation of administration of the other active compound.

The compounds of the invention can be administered prior to or after cessation of administration of another active compound. In certain cases, the compounds may be administered before beginning a course of treatment for viral infection or for secondary disease associated with HIV infections, for example. In a separate embodiment, the compounds can be administered after a course of treatment to reduce recurrence of viral infections.

Diseases

The compounds described herein, are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disorder associated with CXCR4 receptor binding or activation, and particularly HTV viral infections. However, numerous other diseases have been associated with CXCR4 receptor signaling.

Human and simian immunodeficiency viruses (HIV and SIV, respectively) enter cells through a fusion reaction triggered by the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) and two cellular molecules: CD4 and a chemokine receptor, generally either CCR5 or CXCR5. (Alfchatib G, Combadiere C, Croder C, Feng Y, Kennedy PE, Murphy PM, Berger EA. CC CKR5. a RANTES, MIP-lapha, MIP-I Beta receptor as a fusion cofactor for macrophage-tropic HTV- 1. Science. 1996; 272: 1955-1988).

In approximately 50% of infected individuals, CXCR4-tropic (X4-tropic) viruses emerge later in HIV infection, and their appearance correlates with a more rapid CD4 decline and a faster progression to AIDS (Connor, et al. (1997) J Exp. Med. 185: 621-628). Dual- tropic isolates that are able to use both CCR5 and CXCR4 are also seen and may represent intermediates in the switch from CCR5 to CXCR4 tropism (Doranz, et al. (1996) Cell. 85: 1149-1158).

In a separate embodiment, a method for the treatment of, prevention of, or reduced severity of liver disease associated with viral infections including administering at least one compound described herein is provided.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBC) infection is accompanied by inflammation and fibrosis eventually leading to cirrhosis. A study testing the expression and function of CXCR4 on liver-infiltrating lymphocytes (LIL) revealed an important role for the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in recruitment and retention of immune cells in the liver during chronic HCV and HBV infection (WaId, et al. (2004) European Journal of Immunology. 34(4): 1164-1174).

High levels of CXCR4 and TGF-β have been detected in liver samples obtained from patients infected with HCV. (Mitra, et al. (1999) Int. J. Oncol. 14: 917-925). In vitro, TGF-β has been shown to up-regulate the expression of CXCR4 on naϊve T cells and to increase their migration. The CD69/TGF-β/CXCR4 pathway may be involved in the retention of recently activated lymphocytes in the liver (WaId₃ et al. European Journal of Immunology. 2004; 34(4): 1164-1174).

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Peptide-based CXCR4 antagonist, TN14003, is a novel-imaging probe specific for CXCR4

Initially, experiments were performed to verify that TN 14003 binds to the predicted SDF-I binding sites on the CXCR4 receptor. In these studies, MDA-MB-231 cells were incubated in the absence (Figure IA, B) or presence (Figure IA, C) of 400 ng/ml of SDF-I α for 10 min, and then fixed in ice-cold acetone. Immunofluorescence of the biotin-labeled TN14003 was negative in both membrane and cytosol in the cells pretreated with SDF-I α for 10 min (Figure IA, C).

The utility of the biotinylated TNl 4003 as a probe of CXCR4 was explored coupled with immunofluorescence staining of cultured breast cancer cells and paraffin-embedded tissues from breast cancer patients. MDA-MB-231 had high levels of mRNA and protein for CXCR4 as shown by Northern blots and Western blots relative to MDA-MB-435 (Figure IB). When the biotinylated TN14003 was used to stain me two cell types, the high CXCR4- expressing MDA-MD-231 cells were brightly stained (Figure 1C left), whereas the low CXCR4-expressing MDA-MB-435 was less (Figure 1C right) consistent with the low surface CXCR4 expression in these cells.

Immunofluorescence staining with the biotinylated TN 14003 on cancer patients' paraffin-embedded tissue sections demonstrated that TNl 4003 could be used to detect CXCR4 receptors on tumor cells from the archived paraffin-embedded tissue sections (Figure ID). A total of 41 patient tissues provided by Avon Tissue Bank for Translational Genomics Research at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA, were stained and 0 out of 4 normal breast tissues, 9 out of 12 Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and 23 out of 25 node- positive cases were positive for CXCR4. Many samples carrying the diagnoses of DCIS already acquired CXCR4 overexpression (Figure ID). Example 2: TN14003 is a more potent inhibitor of CXCR4-associated signaling than AMD3100

CXCR4/SDF-1 interaction activates PI3K/Akt and Ras/Raf/MEK/Erk pathways in a Ga₁ protein (PTX-sensitive)-dependent manner. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of blocking CXCR4/SDF-1 interaction by either TN140O3 or AMD3100 at different concentrations (O₅ 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, lOOOnM) on phosphorylations of Akt and Erkl/2 signaling. Incubating cells with 100 ng/ml of SDF-I for 30 minutes activated Akt. Akt activation was blocked by either sub-nano molar concentration of TN14003 or a few nano molar AMD3100 (Figure 2). Erkl/2 phsophorylation was attenuated in the presence of sub-nano molar concentration of TN14003 or 10OnM AMD3100 (data not shown). However, ^the increase in Erkl/2 phosphorylation by SDF-I was not significant as the increase in Akt phosphorylation. The results demonstrate that TN14003 is more potent than AMD3100 in inhibiting CXCR4-mediated signaling. Treating cells with SDF-I, TN14003, or AMD3100 did not affect CXCR4 protein levels.

Example 3: VEGF promoter regulation by CXCR4 and HIF-I a

To determine whether lowering CXCR4 levels might affect VEGF transcription compared to HIF-lα the hypoxia-reporting luciferase/LacZ plasmid from Dr. Van Meir's laboratory was used as a reporter system to detect hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) of VEGF promoter activity (Post, D. E. and Van Meir, E. G. (2001) Gene Ther 8: 1801-1807). The sequence of HIF-lα siRNA was 5'- UUCAAGUUGGAAUUGGUAGdTdT-3'. Pooled cell clones were created with MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with _this plasmid (called HRE-Luc MB-231). Unexpectedly, HRE activity in normoxia was moderately high in MDA- MB-231 cells that have high CXCR4 levels in normoxia (Figure 3, left), which was not observed in other cell lines with low CXCR4 and HIF-I levels (LN229, U87, 9L, and MDA- MB-435). This moderately high HRE activity in MDA-MB-231 cells was suppressed by CXCR4 siRNA or HIF-lα siRNA. The HRE activity significantly decreased with the combination treatment of CXCR4 siRNA and HIF-lα siRNA for 48 hours. As expected, the HRE activity increased 2.5-fold by hypoxia treatment (1% oxygen and 5% CO₂ in nitrogen). This elevated HRE activity was again suppressed by siRNA for CXCR4 or HIF-I α (Figure 3, right). Example 4: Screening of novel anti-CXCR4 small molecule by competition assay using biotin-labeled TN14003 (peptide-based)

The molecular dynamic simulations of the rhodopsin-based homology model of CXCR4 shows that AMD3100 is a weak partial agonist because it interacts with CXCR4/SDF-1 binding by two aspartic acids while the peptide-based CXCR4 antagonist, Tl 40 (similar to TNl 4003) strongly binds the SDF-I binding site of CXCR4 in extracellular domains and regions of the hydrophobic core proximal to the cell surface (Trent, et al. (2003) J Bio! Chem 278: 47136-47144). This structural information was used to create a library of compounds with multiple nitrogens throughout the molecular framework, but structurally different from AMD3100.

Using biotin-labeled TNl 4003 along with streptavidin-conjugated rhodamine allowed a determination of the binding efficiency of these chemicals to the SDF-I binding site of CXCR4 on tumor cells and compared it to AMD3100-SDF-1 interactions (Figure 4). The cells incubated with compounds with high affinities for the ligand-binding site showed only blue nuclei staining, whereas compounds with low affinity resulted in both CXCR4 in red (rhodamine) and blue nuclei staining. Cells were pre-incubated with different concentrations of AMD3100. The results indicated that 10 μM concentration was needed for AMD3100 to compete against biotin-labeled TN14003. On the other hand, some candidate compounds were as potent as TNl 4003 at very low concentrations. Therefore, one of these compounds, WZZL81 IS, was selected to study its therapeutic potential based on potency and low toxicity to cells (Figure 6). Figure 5 shows the binding affinity of WZZL81 IS to the ligand-binding site (approximately the same as TNl 4003 binding site) of CXCR4 on tumor cells at nanomolar concentration. WZZL81 IS did not decrease cell viability of MDA-MB-231 cells even at 100 μM (the highest concentration tested).

Example 5: Pharmacokinetics of a novel anti-HIFl a compound

A pharmacokinetic study of a novel anti-HIF-lα small molecule was performed. A stably integrated hypoxia-reporter system of glioma cells transfected with the hypoxia- reporting plasmid (described above) was utilized. A natural product-like small molecule library of 10,000 compounds was screened and the "best hit" was identified. HPLC methodology was developed for quantitatively detecting KCN-I in plasma and other biological samples. For the pharmacokinetic study, KCN-I (100 mg/kg) was dissolved in DMSO and administered intravenously to mice. Plasma samples were collected at given time points (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8h) and KCN -1 levels were quantified by HPLC. The HPLC system consisted of a Varian Prostar gradient pump, a Prostar autosampler and a Prostar photo diode array detector. The column was a Luna 5 μ C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, Phenomenex). The retention time of KCNl and the internal standard were 8.7 and 17.7 min, respectively (Figure 7).

Example 6: Test compound activity against HIV strains

A selected set of compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the cellular entry of T- tropic HTV. The assay for this inhibition has been carried out on a contractural basis at Monogram Biosciences, Inc. using their well established Phenoscreen™ assay. Briefly, HIV strains of interest are tagged with a luciferase indicator gene to create an appropriate test vector. The test vector is amplified through transfection and the resulting virus is incubated in the presence of target host cells where intracellular florescence activity then becomes a measure of infection. Amplified virus is exposed to target host cells in the presence of a range of test drug concentrations to determine IC₅₀ measurements of entry inhibition. A modification of this test has been further reapplied as a novel drug assay that has been used in partnership with a number of pharmaceutical companies to test the effectiveness of novel entry inhibitors that target specific chemokines. It can used to detect activity against T- tropic, M-tropic, and dual-tropic viruses and Monogram Biosciences has a large bank of over 10,000 different virus strains to ultimately asses the range of applicability of our CXCR4 antagonists. Certain compounds have been tested to establish efficacy in a number of viral strains. Results are shown in Table 2 below.

In a competition screening using the native CXCR4 ligand SDF-I, the compounds showed the followin interactions:

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A method for the treatment of HIV infection comprising administering a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof to a host:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, OR, NH₂, NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR¹, S₂-NRR¹, NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5 and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one K in each ring is nitrogen.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein Y and Z are each hydrogen.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein W and X are each hydrogen.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein Rl and R2 are hydrogen.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein U is acyl or NHacyl.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of W, X, Y and Z is Cl, F, Br or I.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of W, X, Y and Z is OH.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of W, X, Y and Z is CN.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of W, X, Y and Z is NO₂.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of a compound of Formula I-1 to I- 10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of a compound of Formula I-11 to I-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or prodrug:

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is of structure XV, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the compound is a salt.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the compound is a chloride salt.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the compound is of the structure XVI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

18. A method for the treatment of HIV infection comprising administering a compound of Formula Ha or lib, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, OR, NH₂, NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R¹ are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; and A and B are one and two atom tethers independently selected from -CR=, -CR3R4-, -CR3=, - N=, -0-, -NR₃-, -S-, -CR₃=CR₄-, -CR₃R₄-CR₅R₆-, -CR₃=N-, -CR₃R₄-NR₅-, -N=CR₃-, and - NR₃-CR₄R₅-; -D-E- and -G-J- are independently either -NR₃-CR₄- or -N=C-; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇ and R₈ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein Y and Z are each hydrogen

20. The method of claim 18 wherein W and X are each hydrogen

21. The method of claim 18 wherein W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

22. A method for the treatment of HIV infection comprising administering a compound of Formula III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, OR, NH₂, NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR¹, S₂-NRR¹, NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of a compound of Formula III-1 through III-10, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of a compound of Formula III-11 through III-20, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

25. A method for the treatment of HIV infection, the method comprising administering to a host a compound of Formula IX, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, OR, NH₂,

NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR₅ S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂,

CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups;

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R5 and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR¹)-) groups;

A* is independently selected from the group consisting of formulas a-g:

; and

M is O₅ S or NR₃.

26. A method for the treatment of HIV infection comprising administering to a host a compound of Formula XI, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q₅ T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH,

OR, NH₂, NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; Ri, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein Y and Z are each hydrogen.

28. The method of claim 26 W and X are each hydrogen.

29. The method of claim 26 W, X, Y and Z are all hydrogen.

30. The method of claim 26 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of a compound of Formula XI-I to XI-6, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

31. A method for the treatment of HIV infection comprising administering to a host a compound of Formula XIII, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, OR, NH₂, NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR')-) groups; and

"spacer" is independently a bond, straight chained or branched C₁-C₅ alkyl, C₂-C₅ alkenyl, C₂-C₅ alkynyl, C₁-C₅ alkoxy, C₂-C₅ alkenoxy, and C₂-C₅ alkynoxy wherein the alkyl group can be substituted by a heteroatom (such as N, O or S), including but not limited to-CH₂- OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂-, -CH₂-OCH₂CH2-, -CH₂CH₂- OCH₂CH₂CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂CH₂-OCH₂-, -CH₂CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂-, -CH₂CH₂-OCH₂CH₂CH₂-, -(CH₂)n-OH(CH₃)-(CH₂)_n-, CH₂-OH(CH₃)O-CH₂, -(CH₂)n-, -(CH₂)n-CO-, -(CH₂)n-N-, - (CH₂)n-O-, -(CH₂)n-S-, -(CH₂O)-, -(OCH₂)-, -(SCH₂)-, -(CH₂S-), -(aryl-O)-, -(O-aryl)-, - (alkyl-O)-, -(O-alkyl)- wherein n is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

32. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 further comprising treating cancer metastasis.

33. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 further comprising treating breast, brain, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, kidney, or non-small cell lung cancer.

34. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 wherein the administration reduces endothelial cell migration or proliferation.

35. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 wherein the administration reduces angiogenesis.

36. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 wherein the compound is administered to a host at high risk of suffering from a proliferative disease.

37. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 wherein the compound is administered in combination or alternation with a second agent.

38. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 wherein the second agent is a chemotherapeutic agent or an anti-HIV agent.

39. The method of any of claims 1, 18, 22, 25, 26 or 31 wherein the compound is administered after cessation of administration of another agent.

40. Use of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of HIV infection in a host:

wherein each K is independently N or CH;

Q, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are independently selected from H, R, acyl, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, OR, NH₂, NO₂, NHR, NR₂, SR, SR, S₂R, S-NHR, S₂-NHR, S-NRR', S₂-NRR', NHacyl, N(acyl)₂, CO₂H, CO₂R, where R and R' are independently selected from straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl or aralkyl groups, as well as aryl and heteroaryl groups; and R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from H, straight chain, branched or cyclic alkyl , aralkyl, aryl heteroaryl, acyl (RC-) and imidoyl (RC(NH)- or RC(NR¹)-) groups.