Structure-based design, synthesis by click chemistry and in vivo activity of highly selective A3 adenosine receptor agonists

2-Arylethynyl derivatives of (N)-methanocarba adenosine 5'-uronamides are selective A(3)AR (adenosine receptor) agonists. Here we substitute a 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl linker in place of the rigid, linear ethynyl group to eliminate its potential metabolic liability. Docking of nucleosides containing possible short linker moieties at the adenine C2 position using a hybrid molecular model of the A(3)AR (based on the A(2A)AR agonist-bound structure) correctly predicted that a triazole would maintain the A(3)AR selectivity, due to its ability to fit a narrow cleft in the receptor. The analogues with various N-6 and C2-aryltriazolyl substitution were synthesized and characterized in binding (K-i at hA(3)AR 0.3-12 nM) and in vivo to demonstrate efficacy in controlling chronic neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury). Among N-6-methyl derivatives, a terminal pyrimidin-2-yl group in 9 (MRS7116) increased duration of action (36% pain protection at 3 h) in vivo. N-6-Ethyl 5-chlorothien-2-yl analogue 15 (MRS7126) preserved in vivo efficacy (85% protection at 1 h) with short duration. Larger N6 groups, e.g. 17 (MRS7138, > 90% protection at 1 and 3 h), greatly enhanced in vivo activity. Thus, we have combined structure-based methods and phenotypic screening to identify nucleoside derivatives having translational potential.