Peptoid Agonists of Nerve Growth Factor and Their Use as Medicaments

Abstract

Neurotrophin binding to its specific receptors Trk A and p75 leads to the activation of multiple signalling cascades, culminating in neuroprotective and regenerative effects, including neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth. Neurotrophic factors have been used for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, their use is limited by their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, their short half life and their side effects. Small molecule neurotrophin mimetics may be beneficial in treating a number of neurodegenerative disorders. The present invention shows the capacity of nerve growth factor agonist molecules of Formulae I-IV, as defined in the specification, to induce differentiation in PC 12 cells, promote survival in RN22 cells and activate Trk A, IkBa and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation to various extents in both cell lines. In addition these molecules were able to ameliorate acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a multiple sclerosis (MS) animal model, inhibiting brain inflammation and reducing brain damage. We also observed suppression in the production of pro-inflammatory genes like the inducible nitric oxide synthase. These small molecules with NGF agonist activity may be beneficial for MS and other neurodegenerative diseases due to its neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties.

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