Objectives This work aims to design and characterize a novel bifunctional small molecule that simultaneously targets PD-L1 and CD73 to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Methods Multiple methodologies were integrated for compound screening and biological characterization, including computer-aided molecular docking, homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) binding assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and PD-1/PD-L1 NFAT reporter cell assay. Results The lead compound CP-1 exhibited potent dual-target inhibitory activities. It blocked the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with an IC 50 of 10.27 nM and suppressed CD73 activity with an IC 50 of 300.2 nM. Molecular docking simulations revealed that CP-1 stably binds to the functional domains of PD-L1 and CD73 via specific non-covalent interactions. Cellular functional assays further demonstrated that CP-1 effectively restored T cell function in the PD-1/PD-L1 reporter system, with an EC 50 of 0.9 μM. Conclusions CP-1 exhibits balanced, dual-nanomolar inhibitory activity against PD-L1 and CD73 and displays potent immunomodulatory effects at the cellular level. It serves as a promising lead candidate for developing novel bifunctional agents to advance tumor immunotherapy.
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Background Systemic administration of immunotherapy via intravenous injection is frequently associated with off-target toxicity throughout the body. In contrast, intratumoral injection has emerged as a promising strategy to mitigate systemic adverse effects. However, data regardi…
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a severe and debilitating disease that substantially affects patients’ functional capacity and daily activities. Within necrotic femoral heads, immune cells, particularly macrophages, undergo phenotypic reprogramming. This phenotypic sh…