HIV Protease Inhibitors Research Articles

Advances in the synthesis of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro-[2,3-b]furan-3-ol, a key ligand of the HIV protease inhibitors

Advances in the synthesis of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro-[2,3-b]furan-3-ol, a key ligand of the HIV protease inhibitors

Clinical Efficacy of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Indinavir in Combination with Chemotherapy for Advanced Classic Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment: A Single-Arm, Phase II Trial in the Elderly.

This phase-2 trial showed that the HIV protease inhibitor indinavir may boost and extend the duration of the effects of chemotherapy in elderly with advanced progressive classic Kaposi sarcoma, without additional toxicity. Further, the amelioration of the immune status seen in responders suggests a better control of HHV-8 infection and tumor-cell killing. Thus, indinavir combined with chemotherapy may represent an important tool for the clinical management of classic Kaposi sarcoma in elderly patients.

Inhibition of human DNA alkylation damage repair enzyme ALKBH2 by HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir

The human DNA repair enzyme AlkB homologue-2 (ALKBH2) repairs methyl adducts from genomic DNA and is overexpressed in several cancers. However, there are no known inhibitors available for this crucial DNA repair enzyme. The aim of this study was to examine whether the first-generation HIV protease inhibitors having strong anti-cancer activity can be repurposed as inhibitors of ALKBH2. We selected four such inhibitors and performed in vitro binding analysis against ALKBH2 based on alterations of its intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and differential scanning fluorimetry. The effect of these HIV protease inhibitors on the DNA repair activity of ALKBH2 was also evaluated. Interestingly, we observed that one of the inhibitors, ritonavir, could inhibit ALKBH2-mediated DNA repair significantly via competitive inhibition and sensitized cancer cells to alkylating agent methylmethane sulfonate (MMS). This work may provide new insights into the possibilities of utilizing HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir as a DNA repair antagonist.

HIV-protease inhibitors potentiate the activity of carfilzomib in triple-negative breast cancer

BackgroundResistance to chemotherapy is a major problem in the treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Preclinical data suggest that TNBC is dependent on proteasomes; however, clinical observations indicate that the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in TNBC may be limited, suggesting the need for combination therapies.MethodsWe compared bortezomib and carfilzomib and their combinations with nelfinavir and lopinavir in TNBC cell lines and primary cells with regard to their cytotoxic activity, functional proteasome inhibition, and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Furthermore, we evaluated the involvement of sXBP1, ABCB1, and ABCG2 in the cytotoxic activity of drug combinations.ResultsCarfilzomib, via proteasome β5 + β2 inhibition, is more cytotoxic in TNBC than bortezomib, which inhibits β5 + β1 proteasome subunits. The cytotoxicity of carfilzomib was significantly potentiated by nelfinavir or lopinavir. Carfilzomib with lopinavir induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and pro-apoptotic UPR through the accumulation of excess proteasomal substrate protein in TNBC in vitro. Moreover, lopinavir increased the intracellular availability of carfilzomib by inhibiting carfilzomib export from cells that express high levels and activity of ABCB1, but not ABCG2.ConclusionProteasome inhibition by carfilzomib combined with nelfinavir/lopinavir represents a potential treatment option for TNBC, warranting further investigation.

Diastereoselective Synthesis of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Darunavir and Related Derivatives via a Titanium Tetrachloride-Mediated Asymmetric Glycolate Aldol Addition Reaction.

Darunavir is a potent HIV protease inhibitor that has been established as an effective tool in the fight against the progression of HIV/AIDS in the global community. The successful application of this drug has spurred the development of derivatives wherein strategic regions (e.g., P1, P1', P2, and P2') of the darunavir framework have been structurally modified. An alternate route for the synthesis of darunavir and three related P1 and P1' derivatives has been developed. This synthetic pathway involves the use of a Crimmins titanium tetrachloride-mediated oxazolidine-2-thione-guided asymmetric glycolate aldol addition reaction. The resultant aldol adduct introduces the P1 fragment of darunavir via an aldehyde. Transamidation with a selected amine (isobutylamine or 2-ethyl-1-butylamine) to cleave the auxiliary yields an amide wherein the P1' component is introduced. From this stage, the amide is reduced to the corresponding β-amino alcohol and the substrate is then bis-nosylated to introduce the requisite p-nitrobenzenesulfonamide component and activate the secondary alcohol for nucleophilic substitution. Treatment with sodium azide yielded the desired azides, and the deprotection of the p-methoxyphenoxy group is achieved with the use of ceric ammonium nitrate. Finally, hydrogenation to reduce both the aniline and azide functionalities with concurrent acylation yields darunavir and its derivatives.

Investigating how HIV-1 antiretrovirals differentially behave as substrates and inhibitors of P-glycoprotein via molecular dynamics simulations

HIV-1 can rapidly infect the brain upon initial infection, establishing latent reservoirs that induce neuronal damage and/or death, resulting in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder. Though anti-HIV-1 antiretrovirals (ARVs) suppress viral load, the blood-brain barrier limits drug access to the brain, largely because of highly expressed efflux proteins like P-glycoprotein (P-gp). While no FDA-approved P-gp inhibitor currently exists, HIV-1 protease inhibitors show promise as partial P-gp inhibitors, potentially enhancing drug delivery to the brain. Herein, we employed docking and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate key differences in P-gp’s interactions with several antiretrovirals, including protease inhibitors, with known inhibitory or substrate-like behaviors towards P-gp. Our results led us to hypothesize new mechanistic details of small-molecule efflux by and inhibition of P-gp, where the “Lower Pocket” in P-gp’s transmembrane domain serves as the primary initial site for small-molecule binding. Subsequently, this pocket merges with the more traditionally studied drug binding site—the “Upper Pocket”—thus funneling small-molecule drugs, such as ARVs, towards the Upper Pocket for efflux. Furthermore, our results reinforce the understanding that both binding energetics and changes in protein dynamics are crucial in discerning small molecules as non-substrates, substrates, or inhibitors of P-gp. Our findings indicate that interactions between P-gp and inhibitory ARVs induce bridging of transmembrane domain helices, impeding P-gp conformational changes and contributing to the inhibitory behavior of these ARVs. Overall, insights gained in this study could serve to guide the design of future P-gp-targeting therapeutics for a wide range of pathological conditions and diseases, including HIV-1.

Unveiling Novel HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors through an Integrated Analysis of 3D-QSAR, Molecular Docking, and Binding Free Energy

Introduction: HIV-1, the primary causative agent of AIDS, remains a formidable and lethal virus globally, claiming the lives of millions over the past four decades since its discovery. Recent research has underscored the potential of HIV-1 protease as a therapeutic target, offering a promising strategy for inhibiting viral replication within the body. Method: In light of this, we have curated an extensive database comprising 193 derivatives of Darunavir (DRV), an HIV-1 protease inhibitor. Simultaneously, we have developed a comprehensive set of 3D-QSAR models to elucidate the structure-activity relationships of these 193 derivative inhibitors. Employing various computational simulation techniques, including Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA), Comparative Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA), and molecular docking, we have unveiled the fundamental three-dimensional structural features influencing their biological activity. Result: Results indicate that the optimal CoMSIA model (Q2 = 0.500, R2 ncv = 0.882, R2 pred = 0.797) surpasses other models, demonstrating superior predictive capability. Furthermore, docking results suggest that DRV derivatives maintain stable conformations within the binding cavity due to synergistic interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and non-bonded interactions. Drawing insights from the best computational models, we have designed five DRV derivatives with significant HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity through local modification, with theoretical calculations indicating favorable pharmacokinetic properties and synthetic feasibility for the newly proposed molecules. Conclusion: It is hoped that the findings and conclusions obtained herein may furnish theoretical underpinning and directional guidance for the design, optimization, and experimental synthesis of DRV derivative compounds for pharmaceutical purposes. conclusion: In conclusion, this research identifies key residues, including Asp25, Gly27, Asp29, Asp30, Asp124, and Asp129, as significant for ligand binding. The information derived from the in silico models contributes to the design of five newly proposed DRV derivative compounds as promising HIV-1 protease inhibitors, surpassing the inhibitory activity of compound 171. The study holds potential for optimizing Darunavir derivatives in the development of anti-HIV-1 protease drugs.

Computational investigation of Y. aloifolia variegate as anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targeting HIV-1 protease: A multiscale in-silico exploration

IntroductionHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a global challenge for the health sector due to the absence of a definitive cure. More than 38 million people are affected by the disease worldwide, with approximately 1.5 million new cases reported annually. This situation has spurred continued efforts in searching for drug candidates. Meanwhile, rutin, luteolin, and quercetin are compounds known for efficacy in treating infectious diseases. The compounds have also been detected in Yucca aloifolia (絲蘭) variegate L. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a computational investigation utilizing multiscale in silico exploration to assess the potential of Y. aloifolia as an anti-HIV agent targeting HIV-1 Protease (H1P). MethodsFor the in silico study, the three-dimensional structure of H1P (PDB: 5V4Y) was retrieved and prepared using YASARA Structure. The binding pockets were identified using Cavity Plus server, and ligands were obtained from Y. aloifolia leaves alcohol extract. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted with YASARA Structure to predict binding energies, followed by QSAR analysis for activity prediction. Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis was performed to assess stability and reactivity, while toxicity was evaluated using ProTox 3.0. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) calculation were also conducted for further analysis. ResultsThe results showed that Ramachandran plot analysis indicated favorable residue distribution based on the evaluation of enzyme preparation quality. Cavity Plus identified potential binding sites, with cavity no.2 showing the highest druggability. Molecular docking showed rutin and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside as top binders to H1P, with favorable binding energies. Moreover, post-docking analysis produced specific interactions between ligands and the receptor. PASS prediction indicated the potential of rutin and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (narcissin) as H1P inhibitors. DFT analysis assessed stability, showing comparable values for the investigated compounds. Toxicity analysis suggested both compounds to be non-toxic. Finally, MD simulation demonstrated the superior stability and binding affinity of rutin compared to isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and the control drug, grl-09510. DiscussionRutin, hecogenin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside from Y. aloifolia (絲蘭) leaves showed potential as H1P inhibitors through in silico study. Docking simulations indicated that rutin had the most favorable binding interactions, while MD simulation showed only the rutin-H1P complex to be stable, signifying the potential for further drug development. Rutin was identified as a promising lead for H1P inhibition due to its strong binding, stability, and predicted safety properties, underscoring the need for wet lab validation.

Description and In silico ADME Studies of US-FDA Approved Drugs or Drugs under Clinical Trial which Violate the Lipinski’s Rule of 5

Background & Objective: Christopher A. Lipinski, in 1997, formulated Lipinski’s rule of five for drug-likeness prediction of potent molecules. It states that molecular weight (less than 500 Daltons), octanol/water partition coefficient (not exceeding more than 5), hydrogen bond acceptor (no more than 10), and hydrogen bond donor (no more than 5) are important for good oral bioavailability. Many drugs among various important classes such as antibiotics, anti-cancer, HIV and HCV protease inhibitors, immunosuppressants, cardiovascular, antifungal, and other miscellaneous classes are approved by FDA or other drug regulatory authorities as clinical use lie beyond the rule of five. In this review, beyond the rule of 5 drugs belonging to these classes (which are either currently approved or under clinical study) are explored and their ADME properties are analyzed. Methods: Data of 73 beyond the rule of 5 drugs, belonging to various classes, were collected and their ADME properties were calculated using the Qikprop prediction program of maestro 12.9 module of Schrodinger software. Result: Out of 73 drugs, 4 had at least 1 Rule of 5 (Ro5) violation, 16 had at least 2, 31 had at least 3 out of which 22 drugs had 4, Ro5 violations. Conclusion: Drugs not obeying the rule of five may also serve as good clinical candidates and potential candidates should not be discarded only on the basis of this rule.

Premature Activation of the HIV-1 Protease Is Influenced by Polymorphisms in the Hinge Region.

HIV-1 protease inhibitors are an essential component of antiretroviral therapy. However, drug resistance is a pervasive issue motivating a persistent search for novel therapies. Recent reports found that when protease activates within the host cell's cytosol, it facilitates the pyroptotic killing of infected cells. This has led to speculation that promoting protease activation, rather than inhibiting it, could help to eradicate infected cells and potentially cure HIV-1 infection. Here, we used a nanoscale flow cytometry-based assay to characterize protease resistance mutations and polymorphisms. We quantified protease activity, viral concentration, and premature protease activation and confirmed previous findings that major resistance mutations generally destabilize the protease structure. Intriguingly, we found evidence that common polymorphisms in the hinge domain of protease can influence its susceptibility to premature activation. This suggests that viral heterogeneity could pose a considerable challenge for therapeutic strategies aimed at inducing premature protease activation in the future.

Novel regulation of kidney function by gastrointestinal hormones

The control of whole-body energy metabolism involves intricate crosstalk between multiple organ systems including the gut and the brain that play well-recognized roles in this process. However, the important contributions and mechanisms by other organs are poorly understood. Errors in metabolic regulation can lead to human metabolic diseases including diabetes and obesity that affect 75% of the population and can lead to significant comorbidities. Improving our mechanistic understanding of multi-organ metabolic crosstalk in health and disease is essential for developing highly effcient and new therapeutic approaches. Macula densa (MD) cells in the kidney are chief regulators of renal blood flow and tissue remodeling. We hypothesized that the kidney is a major player in body metabolism via a new mechanism of gut-kidney crosstalk that involves the gut hormones gastrin and cholecystokinine (CCK) activating intrarenal, MD-specific mechanisms to increase blood flow and filtration, progenitor cells and tissue growth factors. High-resolution MD bulk and single-cell transcriptome analysis was performed from freshly isolated, enriched MD cells using MD-GFP mouse kidneys. Single cell MD Ca2+ signaling was analyzed in vivo using intravital multiphoton microscopy (MPM) of Sox2-GT mice that express the ratiometric Ca2+ reporter GCaMP6f/tdTomato in all renal cells. The altered expression of MD specific markers in response to gastrin/CCK8 stimuli was studied using western blot and the novel MDgeo immortalized cell line cultured in vitro. RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis identified the gastrin/CCK receptor Cckbr as one of the highest expressed genes in MD versus control kidney cells. Intravital multiphoton imaging of Sox2-GCaMP6 reporter mouse kidneys revealed robust and entirely MD cell-specific calcium signaling in response to systemic gastrin/CCK injection. Using the novel MDgeo immortalized cell line cultured in vitro, CCK8 treatment led to 3-fold increases in MD cell synthesis of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-generating COX2 and CCN1 that are established mediators of MD-induced glomerular hyperfiltration and tissue remodeling, respectively. Chronic treatment of Ren1d-Confetti mice with Darunavir, an HIV protease inhibitor significantly increased plasma CCK levels, Ren+ mesenchymal progenitor cell number and clonality, renal cell proliferation and tissue hypertrophy. This study uncovered new regulatory mechanisms of systemic metabolism especially the role of MD cells in the kidney. Repurposing the commonly used HIV drug Darunavir for kidney and metabolic diseases may provide therapeutic benefit for millions of patients worldwide. DK064234, DK123564, DK135290. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin Derivatives: In Silico Investigation of HIV-1 Protease Inhibition

Therapeutic Potential of Quercetin Derivatives: In Silico Investigation of HIV-1 Protease Inhibition

Identifying and Assessing Putative Allosteric Sites and Modulators for CXCR4 Predicted through Network Modeling and Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is a critical target for the treatment of several cancer types and HIV-1 infections. While orthosteric and allosteric modulators have been developed targeting its extracellular or transmembrane regions, the intramembrane region of CXCR4 may also include allosteric binding sites suitable for the development of allosteric drugs. To investigate this, we apply the Gaussian Network Model (GNM) to the monomeric and dimeric forms of CXCR4 to identify residues essential for its local and global motions located in the hinge regions of the protein. Residue interaction network (RIN) analysis suggests hub residues that participate in allosteric communication throughout the receptor. Mutual residues from the network models reside in regions with a high capacity to alter receptor dynamics upon ligand binding. We then investigate the druggability of these potential allosteric regions using the site identification by ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) approach, revealing two putative allosteric sites on the monomer and three on the homodimer. Two screening campaigns with Glide and SILCS-Monte Carlo docking using FDA-approved drugs suggest 20 putative hit compounds including antifungal drugs, anticancer agents, HIV protease inhibitors, and antimalarial drugs. In vitro assays considering mAB 12G5 and CXCL12 demonstrate both positive and negative allosteric activities of these compounds, supporting our computational approach. However, in vivo functional assays based on the recruitment of β-arrestin to CXCR4 do not show significant agonism and antagonism at a single compound concentration. The present computational pipeline brings a new perspective to computer-aided drug design by combining conformational dynamics based on network analysis and cosolvent analysis based on the SILCS technology to identify putative allosteric binding sites using CXCR4 as a showcase.

Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir): An Innovative Method Method for Treating Covid-19?

Nirmatrelvir Ritonavir 3-c like protease COVID-19 SARS-COV-2Despite the need for innovative, efficient treatment for the Covid Pandemic, there is currently no curative regimen available, leaving patients to rely on supportive and general treatments. The 3C like-protease (3CLpro) and the main protease (Mpro), two SARS-COV-2 proteins, have been identified as potential targets for antiviral medications. The Mpro might be viable therapeutic target since it plays a significant role in both the pathogenesis of the virus and processing. Nirmatrelvir, an antiviral medication, prevents SARS-CoV-2 from reproducing by blocking Mpro. Another HIV protease inhibitor, ritonavir, was coupled with nirmatrelvir to develop. Ritonavir inhibits the cytochrome P450 3A metabolizing enzyme, extending the half-life of nirmatrelvir and serving as pharmacological enhancer. Despite major modification of the SARS-COV-2 viral genome, nirmatrelvir still has strong antiviral effectiveness against contemporary coronavirus strains. However, there are still a number of open issues. The effectiveness of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir in treating SARS-COV-2 infection, as well as their safety and potential adverse effects are discussed in this review of literature.

An enzymatic route to the synthesis of tricyclic fused hexahydrofuranofuran P2-Ligand for a series of highly potent HIV-1 protease inhibitors

We describe a stereoselective synthesis of an optically active (1R, 3aS, 5R, 6S, 7aR)-octahydro-1,6-epoxy-isobenzo-furan-5-ol derivative. This stereochemically defined heterocycle serves as a high-affinity ligand for a variety of HIV-1 protease inhibitors. The key synthetic steps involve a highly enantioselective enzymatic desymmetrization of meso-1,2(dihydroxymethyl)cyclohex-4-ene and conversion of the resulting optically active alcohol to a methoxy hexahydroisobenzofuran derivative. A substrate controlled stereoselective dihydroxylation afforded syn-1,2-diols. Oxidation of diol provided the substituted 1,2-diketone and L-Selectride reduction provided the corresponding inverted syn-1,2-diols. Acid catalyzed cyclization furnished the ligand alcohol in optically active form.

Abstract B016: Repurposing nelfinavir for re-sensitizing platinum-resistant high grade serous ovarian cancer cells

Abstract B016: Repurposing nelfinavir for re-sensitizing platinum-resistant high grade serous ovarian cancer cells

Targeting Viral and Cellular Cysteine Proteases for Treatment of New Variants of SARS-CoV-2.

The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants caused the persistence of the COVID-19 epidemic and challenged the effectiveness of the existing vaccines. The viral proteases are the most attractive targets for developing antiviral drugs. In this scenario, our study explores the use of HIV-1 protease inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. An in silico screening of a library of HIV-1 proteases identified four anti-HIV compounds able to interact with the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, in vitro studies were designed to evaluate their potential antiviral effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. We employed pseudovirus technology to simulate, in a highly safe manner, the adsorption of the alpha (α-SARS-CoV-2) and omicron (ο-SARS-CoV-2) variants of SARS-CoV-2 and study the inhibitory mechanism of the selected compounds for cell-virus interaction. The results reported a mild activity against the viral proteases 3CLpro and PLpro, but efficient inhibitory effects on the internalization of both variants mediated by cathepsin B/L. Our findings provide insights into the feasibility of using drugs exhibiting antiviral effects for other viruses against the viral and host SARS-CoV-2 proteases required for entry.

Preclinical characterization of a non-peptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitor with improved metabolic stability.

Protease inhibitors (PIs) remain an important component of antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection due to their high genetic barrier to resistance development. Nevertheless, the two most commonly prescribed HIV PIs, atazanavir and darunavir, still require co-administration with a pharmacokinetic boosting agent to maintain sufficient drug plasma levels which can lead to undesirable drug-drug interactions. Herein, we describe GS-9770, a novel investigational non-peptidomimetic HIV PI with unboosted once-daily oral dosing potential due to improvements in its metabolic stability and its pharmacokinetic properties in preclinical animal species. This compound demonstrates potent inhibitory activity and high on-target selectivity for recombinant HIV-1 protease versus other aspartic proteases tested. In cell culture, GS-9770 inhibits Gag polyprotein cleavage and shows nanomolar anti-HIV-1 potency in primary human cells permissive to HIV-1 infection and against a broad range of HIV subtypes. GS-9770 demonstrates an improved resistance profile against a panel of patient-derived HIV-1 isolates with resistance to atazanavir and darunavir. In resistance selection experiments, GS-9770 prevented the emergence of breakthrough HIV-1 variants at all fixed drug concentrations tested and required multiple protease substitutions to enable outgrowth of virus exposed to escalating concentrations of GS-9770. This compound also remained fully active against viruses resistant to drugs from other antiviral classes and showed no in vitro antagonism when combined pairwise with drugs from other antiretroviral classes. Collectively, these preclinical data identify GS-9770 as a potent, non-peptidomimetic once-daily oral HIV PI with potential to overcome the persistent requirement for pharmacological boosting with this class of antiretroviral agents.

FMO-guided design of darunavir analogs as HIV-1 protease inhibitors

The prevalence of HIV-1 infection continues to pose a significant global public health issue, highlighting the need for antiretroviral drugs that target viral proteins to reduce viral replication. One such target is HIV-1 protease (PR), responsible for cleaving viral polyproteins, leading to the maturation of viral proteins. While darunavir (DRV) is a potent HIV-1 PR inhibitor, drug resistance can arise due to mutations in HIV-1 PR. To address this issue, we developed a novel approach using the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method and structure-based drug design to create DRV analogs. Using combinatorial programming, we generated novel analogs freely accessible via an on-the-cloud mode implemented in Google Colab, Combined Analog generator Tool (CAT). The designed analogs underwent cascade screening through molecular docking with HIV-1 PR wild-type and major mutations at the active site. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the assess ligand binding and susceptibility of screened designed analogs. Our findings indicate that the three designed analogs guided by FMO, 19–0–14–3, 19–8–10–0, and 19–8–14–3, are superior to DRV and have the potential to serve as efficient PR inhibitors. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach and its potential to be used in further studies for developing new antiretroviral drugs.

Rational design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel HIV-1 protease inhibitors containing 2-phenylacetamide derivatives as P2 ligands with potent activity against DRV-Resistant HIV-1 variants

A novel kind of potent HIV-1 protease inhibitors, containing diverse hydroxyphenylacetic acids as the P2-ligands and 4-substituted phenyl sulfonamides as the P2′ ligands, were designed, synthesized and evaluated in this work. Majority of the target compounds exhibited good to excellent activity against HIV-1 protease with IC50 values below 200 nM. In particular, compound 18d with a 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acetamide as the P2 ligand and a 4- methoxybenzene sulfonamide P2′ ligand exhibited inhibitory activity IC50 value of 0.54 nM, which was better than that of the positive control darunavir (DRV). More importantly, no significant decline of the potency against HIV-1DRVRS (DRV-resistant mutation) and HIV-1NL4_3 variant (wild type) for 18d was detected. The molecular docking study of 18d with HIV-1 protease (PDB-ID: 1T3R, www.rcsb.org) revealed possible binding mode with the HIV-1 protease. These results suggested the validity of introducing phenol-derived moieties into the P2 ligand and deserve further optimization which was of great value for future discovery of novel HIV-1 protease.