Andrographolide Derivatives Target the KEAP1/NRF2 Axis and Possess Potent Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Activity

Abstract

Naturally occurring compounds represent a vast pool of pharmacologically active entities. One of such compounds is andrographolide, which is endowed with many beneficial properties, including the activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). To initiate a drug repurposing or hit optimization campaign, it is imperative to unravel the primary mechanism(s) of the antiviral action of andrographolide. Here, we showed by means of a reporter gene assay that andrographolide exerts its anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 effects by inhibiting the interaction between Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) causing NRF2 upregulation. Moreover, we demonstrated that subtle structural modifications of andrographolide could lead to derivatives with stronger on‐target activities and improved physicochemical properties. Our results indicate that further optimization of this structural class is warranted to develop novel COVID‐19 therapies.

Abstract

Synthetic andrographolide derivatives were synthesized and found to be potent activators of the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway and inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. Our Medicinal Chemistry efforts yielded highly selective NRF2 activators that are also accessible for the synthesis of tailored semisynthetic drugs or functional molecules.