The rational design of inhibitors of nitric oxide formation by inducible nitric oxide synthase

A novel class of compounds that block nitric oxide formation from cells overexpressing iNOS is described. A series of compounds was rationally designed as inhibitors of dimer formation of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase, and subsequent nitric oxide production. The conformation of two fragments obtained from a crystal structure was utilized to design a tether connecting those same two fragments. The resulting compounds were potent dimerization inhibitors that bound to the enzyme in a similar conformation as the fragments.