GDC-2394 (Genentech) is an oral NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor. The NLRP3 inflammasome is the best studied and most characterized inflammasome , with the protein playing a key role in the detection of inflammatory danger signals which are a hallmark of many inflammatory diseases. Hyperactivation of the NLRP3 has been implicated in the [...]

Zunsemetinib (ATI-450, CDD-450) is a p38α- MK2 complex inhibitor discovered by Confluence Technologies and developed by Confluence spinout, Aclaris Therapeutics. The molecule has a unique molecular glue-like mechanism of action that held promise in immunology, but sadly recent results have led to its discontinuation. This article reviews the target, its mechanism, and why it mattered.

PF-06826647 is a TYK2-selective kinase inhibitor which binds to the catalytically active JH1 kinase domain, in contrast to BMS-986165, a TYK2 inhibitor in Ph. III for psoriasis that binds to the JH2 pseudokinase domain. TYK2-selective inhibitors are expected to have anti-inflammatory activity with reduced side effects such as anemia due to [...]

The Janssen non-ATP competitive HPK1 inhibitor, “ compound 1 ,” was identified from a screening cascade specifically looking for allosteric inhibitors, which may provide a selectivity advantage over ATP-competitive starting points. Reviewer Adi Murthy says, “ Specificity may prove challenging for HPK active site inhibitors since it belongs to [...]

“Compound 25,” inhibits HPK1 via a rare “P-loop folded” active site conformation. The molecule was nominated by reviewer Julien Lefranc , and structural biologist Yoana Dimitrova shares some insight here: “The ‘folded P-loop’ conformation is considered “extremely unusual” – authors of a 2011 paper looked into this and found it in only 62 out [...]