Hit-Optimization Using Target-Directed Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry: Development of Inhibitors of the Anti-Infective Target 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose-5-Phosphate Synthase

Target-directed dynamic combinatorial chemistry (tdDCC) enables the identification, as well as optimization of ligands for un(der)explored targets such as the anti-infective target 1‑deoxy‑d‑xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS). We report the unprecedented use of tdDCC to first identify and subsequently optimize inhibitors of the anti-infective target DXS. Using tdDCC, we were able to generate acylhydrazone-based inhibitors for DXS. The tailored tdDCC runs also provided insights into the structure–activity relationship of this novel class of DXS inhibitors. This approach holds the potential to expedite the drug discovery process and could be generally applied to a range of biological targets.