Selective α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand gated ion channels of broad distribution and structural heterogeneity. Their functional diversity demonstrated involvement in a variety of neuronal processes (e.g., sensory gating and cognitive function) and generated great interest in them as targets for therapeutic intervention in a number of neuropathological conditions and diseases. In order to control distinct nicotinic functions pharmacologically, it is important to design ligands that selectively interact with distinct receptor subtypes in such a way as to maximize the therapeutic effect and minimize the adverse effects. The alpha7 nAChR, a CNS subtype, has been the most intensively studied nAChR in recent years. Selective alpha7 nAChR agonists have been developed as potential candidates for the treatment of schizophrenia, cognitive disorders (including Alzheimer's disease), and inflammation. Despite early concerns that the rapid desensitization property of the alpha7 nAChR would limit their therapeutic potential, several have already been advanced to clinical trials (e.g., PH-399733, Pfizer; MEM 3454, Memory Pharmaceuticals/Roche). Further development of allosteric modulators and pharmaceutically relevant antagonists might expand the therapeutic potential of compounds that target alpha7 nAChRs. In this review we briefly describe the structure and function of the alpha7 nAChR and its in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, discuss the clinical relevance of these efforts, and review the current progress in alpha7 ligand development.