Inhibition of Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain by Targeting a Mu Opioid Receptor/Chemokine Receptor5 Heteromer (MOR-CCR5)

J Med Chem. 2015 Nov 12;58(21):8647-57. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01245. Epub 2015 Oct 20.

Abstract

Chemokine release promotes cross-talk between opioid and chemokine receptors that in part leads to reduced efficacy of morphine in the treatment of chronic pain. On the basis of the possibility that a MOR-CCR5 heteromer is involved in such cross-talk, we have synthesized bivalent ligands (MCC series) that contain mu opioid agonist and CCR5 antagonist pharmacophores linked through homologous spacers (14-24 atoms). When tested on lipopolysaccharide-inflamed mice, a member of the series (MCC22; 3e) with a 22-atom spacer exhibited profound antinociception (i.t. ED50 = 0.0146 pmol/mouse) that was 2000× greater than morphine. Moreover, MCC22 was ~3500× more potent than a mixture of mu agonist and CCR5 antagonist monovalent ligands. These data strongly suggest that MCC22 acts by bridging the protomers of a MOR-CCR5 heteromer having a TM5,6 interface. Molecular simulation studies are consistent with such bridging. This study supports the MOR-CCR5 heteromer as a novel target for the treatment of chronic pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / chemistry*
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • CCR5 Receptor Antagonists / chemistry*
  • CCR5 Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy*
  • Neuralgia / immunology
  • Receptors, CCR5 / immunology*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / agonists*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / immunology

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • CCR5 Receptor Antagonists
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu