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Protein–protein interactions lie at the heart of cellular signaling pathways and the deregulation of which has frequently led to diseases. In contrast to inhibitors that bind to distinctive enzyme active sites, molecules targeting protein surface topologies have been underexploited in drug development. The challenges in developing protein surface antagonists or agonists originate from the relatively large and flat surface areas that lack well-defined cavities required for sufficient binding affinity. In the past decade, our understanding of protein recognition has served as solid basis for the design of synthetic mimetics to modulate these protein–protein interactions. Herein, we summarize recent successes in the development of synthetic α-helix mimetics, proteomimetics, and biologics with the therapeutic potentials of inhibiting tumorgenesis or cancer-related viral infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the mode of action of a proteomimetic compound that binds to the exterior surface of gp120 and blocks HIV-1 entry into cells. Using a one cycle time-of-addition study and antibody competition binding studies, we have determined that the compound blocks HIV-1 entry through modulation of key protein–protein interactions mediated by gp120. The compound exhibits anti-HIV-1 replication activities against several pseudotype viruses derived from primary isolates and the resistant strains isolated from existing drug candidates with equal potency. Together, these data provide evidence that the proteomimetic compound represents a novel class of HIV-1 viral entry inhibitor that functions through protein surface recognition in analogy to an antibody. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A potential anti-HIV and HCV drug candidate is highly desirable as coinfection has become a worldwide public health challenge. A potent compound based on a tetrabutoxy-calix[4]arene scaffold that possesses dual inhibition for both HIV and HCV is described. Structural activity relationship studies demonstrate the effects of lower-rim alkylation in maintaining cone conformation and upper-rim interacting head groups on the calix[4]arene play key roles for its potent dual antiviral activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]