AZO DYE RELATED SMALL MOLECULE MODULATORS OF PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS

摘要

Azo dyes and suramin-related small molecules are effective in inhibiting the CD40/CD154 protein-protein interaction, an important co-stimulatory interaction involved in the activation of immune responses mediated by T- and B-cells. The compounds were found to be active as indicated by their IC50 values both in a cell-free binding assay and in the inhibition of CD154-induced B-cell proliferation assay. The compounds may be used as therapeutic compounds for treatment of diseases and disorders related to immune or inflammatory responses. Methods of inhibiting the CD40/CD154 protein-protein interaction and treating diseases and disorders related to immune or inflammatory responses are described.