Structure–Activity Relationship of 3-Methylcytidine-5′-α,β-methylenediphosphates as CD73 Inhibitors

We recently reported N⁴-substituted 3-methylcytidine-5'-α,β-methylenediphosphates as CD73 inhibitors, potentially useful in cancer immunotherapy. We now expand the structure-activity relationship of pyrimidine nucleotides as human CD73 inhibitors. 4-Chloro (MRS4598 16; K_i = 0.673 nM) and 4-iodo (MRS4620 18; K_i = 0.436 nM) substitution of the N⁴-benzyloxy group decreased K_i by ∼20-fold. Primary alkylamine derivatives coupled through a p-amido group with a varying methylene chain length (24 and 25) were functionalized congeners, for subsequent conjugation to carrier or reporter moieties. X-ray structures of hCD73 with two inhibitors indicated a ribose ring conformational adaptation, and the benzyloxyimino group (E configuration) binds to the same region (between the C-terminal and N-terminal domains) as N⁴-benzyl groups in adenine inhibitors. Molecular dynamics identified stabilizing interactions and predicted conformational diversity. Thus, by N⁴-benzyloxy substitution, we have greatly enhanced the inhibitory potency and added functionality enabling molecular probes. Their potential as anticancer drugs was confirmed by blocking CD73 activity in tumor tissues in situ.