Discovery of novel anti-HIV agents via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry-based approach

Introduction: In recent years, a variety of new synthetic methodologies and concepts have been proposed in the search for new pharmaceutical lead structures and optimization. Notably, the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry approach has drawn great attention and has become a powerful tool for the generation of privileged medicinal skeletons in the discovery of anti-HIV agents. This is due to the high degree of reliability, complete specificity (chemoselectivity and regioselectivity), mild conditions, and the biocompatibility of the reactants.Areas covered: Herein, the authors describe the progress thus far on the discovery of novel anti-HIV agents via the CuAAC click chemistry-based approach.Expert opinion: CuAAC click chemistry is a proven protocol for synthesizing triazole products which could serve as basic pharmacophores, act as replacements of traditional scaffold or substituent modification, be a linker of dual-target or dual-site inhibitors and more for the discovery of novel anti-HIV agents. What’s more, it also provides convenience and feasibility for dynamic combinatorial chemistry and in situ screening. It is envisioned that click chemistry will draw more attention and make more contributions in anti-HIV drug discovery in the future.