Benzofuranquinones as inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Synthesis and biological evaluation

Abstract

A series of benzofuranquinones, analogues of the marine metabolite annulin A, has been synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). The synthesis was carried out by copper(II)-mediated reaction of bromobenzoquinones with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds followed by functional group interconversions. The most potent compounds were 5-methoxy-2-methylbenzofuranquinones containing a CH2OR group at position-3 with IC50 ~ 0.2 mM. The corresponding hydroquinones were inactive. Compounds based on the benzimidazolequinone framework are also active IDO inhibitors. The quinones do not generate significant levels of oxidative stress at concentrations that inhibit IDO.