Identifying p56lck SH2 Domain Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking and In Silico Scaffold Hopping

Abstract

Bacterial infections are the second-leading cause of death, globally. The prevalence of antibacterial resistance has kept the demand strong for the development of new and potent drug candidates. It has been demonstrated that Src protein tyrosine kinases (TKs) play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses to tissue injury, which can trigger the onset of several severe diseases. We carried out a search for novel Src protein TK inhibitors, commencing from reported highly potent anti-bacterial compounds obtained using the Mannich reaction, using a combination of e-pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, ensemble docking, and core hopping. The top-scoring compounds from ligand-based virtual screening were modified using protein structure-based design approaches, and their binding to the Src homology-2 domain of p56lck TK was predicted using ensemble molecular docking. We have prepared a database of 202 small molecules and have identified six novel top hits that can be subjected to further investigation. We have also performed in silico ADMET property prediction for the hit compounds. This combined computer-aided drug design approach can serve as a starting point for identifying novel TK inhibitors that could be further subjected to in vitro studies and validation of antimicrobial activity.