Exploring polycyclic scaffolds as adamantane replacements in M2 channel inhibitors of Influenza A virus

The increasing resistance of influenza A viruses to adamantane-based antivirals underscores the need for new inhibitors targeting both wild-type (WT) and mutant M2 ion channels. Here, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of polycyclic cage amines designed to replace the adamantane scaffold as M2 inhibitors. These include ring-contracted and ring-expanded analogues, evaluated both as primary amines and as aryl-/heteroaryl-substituted derivatives.

Most of the polycyclic amines inhibited the WT M2 channel as demonstrated by electrophysiological assays. Among them, compound 10, a 3,4,8,9-tetramethyltetracyclo[4.4.0.0³.⁶.0⁴.⁸]decan-1-amine, emerged as a triple blocker active against M2 WT, M2 L27F, and M2 V27A channels. In contrast, compound 6c, a noradamantane–isoxazole derivative, showed selective inhibition of the S31N mutant. Although no antiviral activity was observed against influenza A virus in infected cell assays, both compounds 6c and 10 displayed significant antiviral activity against human coronavirus 229E. Furthermore, compound 10 demonstrated favourable pharmacokinetic properties.

MD simulations show that noradamantane 6c binds inside the M2 S31N pore, with its ammonium forming H-bonds to Asn31 and the isoxazole positioned near Val27, restricting water entry. In contrast, larger polycyclic amines likely cannot access the pore due to steric hindrance.