Insight from Linker Investigations: Discovery of a Novel Phenylbenzothiazole Necroptosis Inhibitor Targeting Receptor-Interacting Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) from a Phenoxybenzothiazole Compound with Dual RIPK1/3 Targeting Activity

Necroptosis, a regulated cell death form, is a critical contributor in various inflammatory diseases. We previously identified a phenoxybenzothiazole SZM-610 as a RIPK1 and RIPK3 necroptosis inhibitor. We conducted extensive studies to investigate different chemical components’ effects on antinecroptosis activity and RIPK1/3 activity. This study focused on replacing the linker in phenoxybenzothiazoles to assess its impact. Remarkably, compound 10, bearing a novel 3,2′-phenylbenzothiazole scaffold, exhibited fourfold more potent nanomolar activity than SZM-610. Unlike SZM-610, this compound inhibited RIPK1 ( K d = 17 nM) and eliminated RIPK3 inhibition at 5000 nM. Various linkages confirmed the 3,2′-phenylbenzothiazole superior potency. Moreover, this compound specifically inhibited necroptosis by inhibiting RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL phosphorylation. In a TNF-induced inflammatory model, it dose-dependently (1.25–5 mg/kg) protected mice from hypothermia and death, surpassing SZM-610's effectiveness. These findings highlight 3,2′-phenylbenzothiazole as a promising lead structure for developing drugs targeting necroptosis-related diseases.