Inhibition of inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting a Mu opioid receptor/chemokine receptor5 heteromer (MOR-CCR5)

Eyup Akgün, Muhammad I. Javed, Mary M. Lunzer, Michael D. Powers, Yuk Y. Sham, Yoshikazu Watanabe, Philip S. Portoghese

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8647-8657
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of medicinal chemistry
Volume58
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 12 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 American Chemical Society.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inhibition of inflammatory and neuropathic pain by targeting a Mu opioid receptor/chemokine receptor5 heteromer (MOR-CCR5)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this