Synthesis of multi ring-fused imidazo [1,2-a]isoquinoline-based fluorescent scaffold as anti-Herpetic agent

Background Natural product-inspired synthesis is a key incorporation in modern diversity-oriented synthesis to yield biologically novel scaffold. Inspired by β-carboline fused system, we have designed molecules with multi ring fused scaffold by modifying the tricyclic pyrido[3,4- b]indole ring with imidazo[1,2- a]isoquinoline.Methods A highly convergent approach with new C–N and C–C bond formation to synthesize multiring fused complex scaffold imidazo[1,2- a]isoquinolinies as fluorophores. N-nucleophile-induced ring transformation of 2 H-pyran-2-one followed by in situ cis-stilbene-type oxidative photocyclization yielded new C–C bond formation without additional oxidant. The cytotoxicity, effective concentrations, and the mode of action of the synthesized analogs were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT),, plaque reduction, time of addition, and reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).Results Novel imidazo[1,2- a]isoquinoline analogs were prepared, and the results revealed that trans isomer of cyclopropyl analog (EC 50 35 and 37.5 µg/ml) and trans isomer of citric acid salt of phenyl analog (EC 50 38.2 and 39.8 µg/ml) possess significant anti-Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) activity with selectivity index of >10. The kinetic study demonstrated that both the analogs inhibited HSV-1F and HSV-2G at 2–4 h postinfection. Finally, western blot and reverse transcriptase PCR assays revealed that both the analogs suppressed viral immediate early transcription.Conclusion Novel imidazo[1,2- a]isoquinoline analogs were synthesized from pyranone with appropriate amines. Two compounds showed better antiviral profile on HSV-infected Vero cells, compared to the standard drug acyclovir (ACV). Overall, we discovered a promising scaffold to develop a nonnucleoside lead targeting the viral immediate early transcription for the management of HSV infections.