Introdução: As proteinases tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento, na destruição tecidual e na produção de muco causada pela DPOC. O inibidor de proteinase de origem vegetal Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) inibe tanto as proteinases da classe serina quanto da classe cisteína. Objetivos: Deste modo consideramos relevante estudar os efeitos do tratamento com BbCI nas alterações pulmonares induzidas pela elastase em camundongos. Métodos: Camundongos C57Bl6 receberam elastase via intratraqueal (50 uL/animal, grupo ELA) ou salina (grupo SAL). Os camundongos foram tratados com BbCI (2mg/kg) nos dias 1, 15 e 21 após a instilação de elastase (grupo ELABC) ou salina (grupo SALBC). No dia 28 do protocolo, os animais foram anestesiados, a mecânica pulmonar foi medida e o óxido nítrico exalado coletado. Posteriormente, foi realizado o lavado broncoalveolar e os pulmões foram removidos para a preparação de lâminas de histoquímica e imunohistoquímica. Por meio de morfometria analisamos o número de células positivas para neutrófilos, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS assim como a fração de volume de 8-iso-PGF2alfa, fibras colágenas e elásticas, nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Também foram avaliados o número de células positivas para macrófagos nos septos alveolares e MUC5ac nas vias aéreas. Resultados: O inibidor de proteinase Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis BbCI reduziu as alterações de mecânica pulmonar (Ers, Htis e Raw), destruição do septo alveolar (Lm) e o número de células no lavado broncoalveolar (células totais, macrófagos e neutrófilos) induzidos pela elastase. Em relação a resposta inflamatória, o BbCI reduziu o número de neutrófilos e de células TNFalfa positivas no septo alveolar e nas vias aéreas além de reduzir o número de macrófagos no septo alveolar. Considerando o remodelamento de matriz extracelular, o inibidor de proteinase atenuou a fração de volume de fibras elásticas e colágenas e o número de células MMP- 9 e MMP-12 positivas nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Em relação a resposta de estresse oxidativo, o BbCI reduziu a fração de volume de isoprostano nas vias aéreas e o número de células iNOS positivas tanto nos septos alveolares quanto nas vias aéreas. O BbCI também reduziu o número de células MUC5ac positivas nas vias aéreas. Conclusões: O tratamento como inibidor BbCI modulou a mecânica pulmonar e reduziu as alterações inflamatórias, de remodelamento e de estresse oxidativo induzidas pela elastase intratraqueal. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo, o inibidor de proteinase BbCI pode ser considerado como um potencial instrumento terapêutico para o tratamento da DPOC / Background: Proteinases play a key role on emphysema development, tissue destruction and mucus production. Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) is a proteinase inhibitor from plant that neutralizes serine and cysteine proteinases. The present study evaluated the effects of the BbCI treatment in pulmonary alterations induced by elastase in mice. Methods: C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50 uL/animal, ELA group) or saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with BbCI (2 mg/kg) at days 1, 15 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELABC group). Control group received saline and BbCI using the same protocol (SALBC group). At day 28, mice were anesthetized, respiratory mechanics were collected, and exhaled nitric oxide were analyzed. Afterwards, broncoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and lungs were removed to perform histochemistry and immunohistochemistry stains. By morphometry, the number of neutrophils, TNFalfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS positive cells as well as the volume proportion of 8-iso-PGF2alfa, collagen and elastic fibers content in alveolar septum and airways walls were performed. In airways walls, we also analyzed the number of MUC-5 positive cells and the number of macrophages. Results: The proteinase inhibitor BbCI was able to reduce the pulmonary mechanical alterations (Ers, Htis and Raw), alveolar septum disruption (Lm) and the BAL cell count (total cells, macrophages and neutrophils) induced by elastase. Regarding the Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis inflammatory response, BbCI also reduced the number of neutrophils and TNFalfa positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls, and also reduced the number of macrophages in alveolar septum. Considering the extracellular matrix remodeling, the proteinase inhibitor attenuated the volume fraction of elastic and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and MMP-12 positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls. Regarding the oxidative stress response, BbCI reduced the volume fraction of isoprostane in airways and the number of iNOS positive cells in both airways walls and alveolar septum. Finally, BbCI reduced the number of MUC5ac positive cells in airway walls. Conclusions: The treatment with BbCI modulated lung mechanics and reduced inflammatory, remodeling and oxidative stress alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process, but we may considerate BbCI as a potential therapeutic tool for COPD management

Introdução: As proteinases tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento, na destruição tecidual e na produção de muco causada pela DPOC. O inibidor de proteinase de origem vegetal Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) inibe tanto as proteinases da classe serina quanto da classe cisteína. Objetivos: Deste modo consideramos relevante estudar os efeitos do tratamento com BbCI nas alterações pulmonares induzidas pela elastase em camundongos. Métodos: Camundongos C57Bl6 receberam elastase via intratraqueal (50 uL/animal, grupo ELA) ou salina (grupo SAL). Os camundongos foram tratados com BbCI (2mg/kg) nos dias 1, 15 e 21 após a instilação de elastase (grupo ELABC) ou salina (grupo SALBC). No dia 28 do protocolo, os animais foram anestesiados, a mecânica pulmonar foi medida e o óxido nítrico exalado coletado. Posteriormente, foi realizado o lavado broncoalveolar e os pulmões foram removidos para a preparação de lâminas de histoquímica e imunohistoquímica. Por meio de morfometria analisamos o número de células positivas para neutrófilos, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS assim como a fração de volume de 8-iso-PGF2alfa, fibras colágenas e elásticas, nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Também foram avaliados o número de células positivas para macrófagos nos septos alveolares e MUC5ac nas vias aéreas. Resultados: O inibidor de proteinase Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis BbCI reduziu as alterações de mecânica pulmonar (Ers, Htis e Raw), destruição do septo alveolar (Lm) e o número de células no lavado broncoalveolar (células totais, macrófagos e neutrófilos) induzidos pela elastase. Em relação a resposta inflamatória, o BbCI reduziu o número de neutrófilos e de células TNFalfa positivas no septo alveolar e nas vias aéreas além de reduzir o número de macrófagos no septo alveolar. Considerando o remodelamento de matriz extracelular, o inibidor de proteinase atenuou a fração de volume de fibras elásticas e colágenas e o número de células MMP- 9 e MMP-12 positivas nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Em relação a resposta de estresse oxidativo, o BbCI reduziu a fração de volume de isoprostano nas vias aéreas e o número de células iNOS positivas tanto nos septos alveolares quanto nas vias aéreas. O BbCI também reduziu o número de células MUC5ac positivas nas vias aéreas. Conclusões: O tratamento como inibidor BbCI modulou a mecânica pulmonar e reduziu as alterações inflamatórias, de remodelamento e de estresse oxidativo induzidas pela elastase intratraqueal. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo, o inibidor de proteinase BbCI pode ser considerado como um potencial instrumento terapêutico para o tratamento da DPOC / Background: Proteinases play a key role on emphysema development, tissue destruction and mucus production. Bauhinia bauhinioides Cruzipain Inhibitor (BbCI) is a proteinase inhibitor from plant that neutralizes serine and cysteine proteinases. The present study evaluated the effects of the BbCI treatment in pulmonary alterations induced by elastase in mice. Methods: C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50 uL/animal, ELA group) or saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with BbCI (2 mg/kg) at days 1, 15 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELABC group). Control group received saline and BbCI using the same protocol (SALBC group). At day 28, mice were anesthetized, respiratory mechanics were collected, and exhaled nitric oxide were analyzed. Afterwards, broncoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and lungs were removed to perform histochemistry and immunohistochemistry stains. By morphometry, the number of neutrophils, TNFalfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS positive cells as well as the volume proportion of 8-iso-PGF2alfa, collagen and elastic fibers content in alveolar septum and airways walls were performed. In airways walls, we also analyzed the number of MUC-5 positive cells and the number of macrophages. Results: The proteinase inhibitor BbCI was able to reduce the pulmonary mechanical alterations (Ers, Htis and Raw), alveolar septum disruption (Lm) and the BAL cell count (total cells, macrophages and neutrophils) induced by elastase. Regarding the Tese de Doutorado Rafael Almeida-Reis inflammatory response, BbCI also reduced the number of neutrophils and TNFalfa positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls, and also reduced the number of macrophages in alveolar septum. Considering the extracellular matrix remodeling, the proteinase inhibitor attenuated the volume fraction of elastic and collagen fibers, MMP-9 and MMP-12 positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls. Regarding the oxidative stress response, BbCI reduced the volume fraction of isoprostane in airways and the number of iNOS positive cells in both airways walls and alveolar septum. Finally, BbCI reduced the number of MUC5ac positive cells in airway walls. Conclusions: The treatment with BbCI modulated lung mechanics and reduced inflammatory, remodeling and oxidative stress alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process, but we may considerate BbCI as a potential therapeutic tool for COPD management

Introdução: As proteinases tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento, na destruição tecidual e na produção de muco causada pela DPOC. O inibidor de proteinase de origem vegetal Enterolobium contortisiliquum Tripsin Inhibitor (EcTI) inibe tanto as proteinases da classe serina quanto da classe cisteína. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos do tratamento com EcTI nas alterações pulmonares induzidas pela elastase em camundongos. Métodos: Camundongos C57Bl6 receberam elastase via intratraqueal (50 uL/animal, grupo ELA) ou salina (grupo SAL). Os camundongos foram tratados com EcTI (2mg/kg) nos dias 1, 15 e 21 após a instilação de elastase (grupo ELA-EcTI) ou salina (grupo SAL-EcTI). No dia 28 do protocolo, os animais foram anestesiados, a mecânica pulmonar foi medida e o óxido nítrico exalado coletado. Posteriormente, foi realizado o lavado broncoalveolar e os pulmões foram removidos para a preparação de lâminas de histoquímica e imunohistoquímica. Por meio de morfometria analisamos o número de células positivas para neutrófilos, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS assim como a fração de volume de 8-iso-PGF2alfa, fibras colágenas e elásticas, nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Também foram avaliados o número de células positivas para macrófagos nos septos alveolares e MUC5ac nas vias aéreas. Resultados: O inibidor de proteinase EcTI reduziu as alterações de mecânica pulmonar (Ers, Htis e Raw), destruição do septo alveolar (Lm) e o número de células no lavado broncoalveolar (células totais, macrófagos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e eosinógilos) induzidos pela elastase. Em relação a resposta inflamatória, o EcTI reduziu o número de neutrófilos e de células TNFalfa positivas no septo alveolar e nas vias aéreas além de reduzir o número de macrófagos no septo alveolar. Considerando o remodelamento de matriz extracelular, o inibidor de proteinase atenuou a fração de volume de fibras colágenas e o número de células MMP-9 e MMP-12 positivas nos septos alveolares e nas vias aéreas. Além disso, nas vias aéreas ocorreu uma atenuação da fração de volume de fibras elásticas, e nos septos alveolares uma atenuação da quantidade de células que expressam TIMP-1. Em relação a resposta de estresse oxidativo, o EcTI reduziu a fração de volume de isoprostano e o número de células iNOS e eNOS positivas tanto nos septos alveolares quanto nas vias aéreas. O EcTI também reduziu o número de células MUC5ac positivas nas vias aéreas. Conclusões: O tratamento como inibidor EcTI modulou a mecânica pulmonar e reduziu as alterações inflamatórias, de remodelamento e de estresse oxidativo induzidas pela elastase intratraqueal. Embora sejam necessários mais estudos para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos neste processo, o inibidor de proteinase EcTI pode ser considerado como um potencial instrumento terapêutico para o tratamento da DPOC / Background: Proteinases play a key role on emphysema development, tissue destruction and mucus production. Enterolobium contortisiliquum Tripsin Inhibitor (EcTI) is a proteinase inhibitor from plant that neutralizes serine and cysteine proteinases. Aims: To evaluated the effects of the EcTI treatment in pulmonary alterations induced by elastase in mice. Methods: C57Bl6 mice received elastase intratracheally (50 uL/animal, ELA group) or saline (SAL group). Afterwards, mice were treated with EcTI (2 mg/kg) at days 1, 15 and 21 after elastase instillation (ELA-EcTI group). Control group received saline and EcTI using the same protocol (SAL-EcTI group). At day 28, mice were anesthetized, respiratory mechanics were collected, and exhaled nitric oxide were analyzed. Afterwards, broncoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained and lungs were removed to perform histochemistry and immunohistochemistry stains. By morphometry, the number of neutrophils, TNF-alfa, MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1, iNOS, eNOS positive cells as well as the volume proportion of 8-iso-PGF2alfa, collagen and elastic fibers content in alveolar septum and airways walls were performed. In airways walls, we also analyzed the number of MUC-5 positive cells and the number of macrophages. Results: The proteinase inhibitor EcTI was able to reduce the pulmonary mechanical alterations (Ers, Htis and Raw), alveolar septum disruption (Lm) and the BAL cell count (total cells, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils) induced by elastase. Regarding the inflammatory response, EcTI also reduced the number of neutrophils and TNFalfa positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls, and also reduced the number of macrophages in alveolar septum. Considering the extracellular matrix remodeling, the proteinase inhibitor attenuated the volume fraction of collagen fibers, MMP-9 and MMP-12 positive cells in both alveolar septum and airway walls. Besides, in airway there were attenuation in the volume fraction of elastic fibers, and in the alveolar septa a decrease of the amount of the cells expressing TIMP-1. Regarding the oxidative stress response, EcTI reduced the volume fraction of isoprostane and the number of iNOS and eNOS positive cells in both airways walls and alveolar septa, Finally, EcTI reduced the number of MUC5ac positive cells in airway walls. Conclusions: The treatment with EcTI modulated lung mechanics and reduced inflammatory, remodeling and oxidative stress alterations induced by elastase. Although more studies need to be performed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in this process, we may considerate EcTI as a potential therapeutic tool for COPD management

Das Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) gehört zur TGF-beta Superfamilie und findet seinen Fokus in der osteogenen Aktivierung und in der Anwendung bei der Frakturheilung. Es wird angenommen, dass weitere, bisher unbekannte Verbindungen existieren, die die BMP2-Signalübertragung und die osteogene Aktivität verbessern und somit zu einer verbesserten klinischen Wirksamkeit von BMP2 führen. Für den Stickstoffoxid (NO)-Signalweg ist bereits bekannt, dass im endothelialen Kontext eine Verbindung zum BMP2-Signalweg existiert. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es daher, eine Verbindung zwischen dem NO- und BMP2-Signalweg bezüglich der Regulierung des BMP2-abhängigen Signalwegs und der Osteoinduktion aufzuzeigen. Dies erfolgte durch Anwendung von Inhibitoren (LNAME, ODQ und LY83583) und Aktivatoren (L-Arginin, Deta NONOate, SNAP und YC-1) des NO-Signalwegs, in Kombination mit BMP2. Eine mögliche Verbindung zwischen dem BMP2- und NO-Signalweg, über eine Protein Kinase A (PKA) Brücke, wurde durch die Anwendung des PKA Inhibitors H89 untersucht. Zusammenfassend zeigen diese Ergebnisse, dass der NO-Stoffwechselweg den BMP2-vermittelten Signalweg und die osteoinduktive Aktivität modulieren kann, wobei PKA beide Signalwege im Rahmen der BMP Signalübertragung verbindet, jedoch nicht zu einer BMP2-vermittelten Osteoinduktion führt. / Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) is a TGF-beta superfamily member, with a major focus on osteogenic activity and application in fracture healing. In order to improve efficiency of BMP2 in the clinic, it is assumed that additional, yet unknown compounds can improve BMP2 signalling and osteogenic activity. The Nitric Oxide (NO) pathway has previously shown to be connected with the BMP2 pathway in an endothelial context. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to unravel connections between the NO and BMP2 pathway in regulating BMP2 mediated signalling and osteoinduction. This was carried out through the application of inhibitors (LNAME, ODQ and LY83583) and activators (L-Arginine, Deta NONOate, SNAP and YC-1) of the NO pathway in combination with BMP2. A proposed connection between BMP2 and NO pathways via a Protein Kinase A (PKA) bridge was investigated by application of H89 inhibitor. In summary, these results show that the NO pathway can modulate BMP2 mediated signalling and osteoinductive activity. The PKA bridge connects NO and BMP2 only for the process of BMP2 signalling, but not for BMP2 mediated osteoinduction.

Proteins that recognise the sugar surface structures on cells have an enormous potential to be used as tools in the characterisation of these structures. A group of proteins, called lectins, have been identified that can bind to carbohydrate complexes on the receptors of cells. The crude extract from Grevillea robusta seeds was found to contain lectin-like proteins that were different from most other lectins, as they would specifically target the receptors of white blood cells and not those found on red blood cells. Therefore, the lectin isolated from G.robusta could be used as a tool to identify the specific surface structures on white blood cells. The lectin was isolated using affinity chromatography where a complex (oligosaccharide) matrix was used. Agglutination, binding and sugar inhibition assays confirmed the isolated protein was a lectin. The lectin was found in low amounts (up to 5% of the total protein content) within the seeds of G.robusta. As a result of this low yield, the identification of the lectin by PAGE was difficult because the levels of protein were beyond the detection limit of the commercial staining reagents. The lectin was called the GR2 protein and was characterised as a monocot mannose binding lectin based on its sugar specificity for only mannose. A serine protease inhibitor was isolated from the seeds of G.robusta using two different chromatography methods, reverse phase HPLC (GR1.HPLC) and gel filtration chromatography (GR1.GF). Ion exchange chromatography was used to initially separate the proteins in the crude extract and the fraction containing the GR1 protein was further purified using reverse phase HPLC (GR1.HPLC). N-terminal sequencing results of the GR1.HPLC protein, showed evidence of proteolytic cleavage during the extraction process, which lead to the second purification method being established. Protease inhibitors were added to the buffers prior to being purified by gel filtration chromatography, which resulted in the GR1 protein being isolated from the crude extract without the presence of the contaminating protein. Mass spectroscopy identified the molecular weight of the GR1 protein to be 6669Da and the full amino acid sequence was derived by cDNA techniques. Sequence alignment studies of the GR1 protein showed significant similarities with the Bowman-Birk inhibitor. The positioning of the cysteine residues were conserved throughout the Bowman-Birk superfamily, however these residues were not conserved within the GR1 protein. Competitive inhibition assays on the GR1 protein revealed the protein could inhibit both trypsin and chymotrypsin at similar levels to that seen for the Bowman-Birk inhibitor. Therefore, the GR1 protein was characterised as a member of the Bowman-Birk superfamily of serine protease inhibitors. The three-dimensional structure of the GR1 protein was determined using two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Computer programs such as XEASY, DYANA and SYBYL® were used to tabulate the information taken from the 2D experiments, generate structures and minimise these structures respectively. The solution structure of the GR1 protein was found to contain a region of antiparallel β-sheet structure that corresponded to the trypsin binding site and the remainder of the protein consisted of loops and turns that were held together by disulfide bridges (the chymotrypsin-binding region). Structural similarities between the GR1 protein and the Bowman-Birk inhibitor existed only in the trypsin-binding site of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor. The GR1 protein is the first member of the Proteaceae family to be characterised as a Bowman-Birk inhibitor. This thesis outlines the isolation and biochemical characterisation of the two proteins found within Grevillea robusta and also describes the steps involved and results obtained in determining the three-dimensional structure of the GR1 protein.

This thesis describes different aspects of protein interactions. Initially the function of peptides and their conjugates with small molecule inhibitors on the surface of Human Carbonic Anhydrase isoenzyme II (HCAII) is evaluated. The affinities for HCAII of the flexible, synthetic helix-loop-helix motif conjugated with a series of spacered inhibitors were measured by fluorescence spectroscopy and found in the best cases to be in the low nM range. Dissociation constants show considerable dependence on linker length and vary from 3000 nM for the shortest spacer to 40 nM for the longest with a minimum of 5 nM for a spacer with an intermediate length. A rationale for binding differences based on cooperativity is presented and supported by affinities as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HSQC) spectroscopic experiments with 15N-labeled HCAII were used for the determination of the site of interaction. The influence of peptide charge and hydrophobicity was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance experiments. Hydrophobic sidechain branching and, more pronounced, peptide charge was demonstrated to modulate peptide – HCAII binding interactions in a cooperative manner, with affinities spanning almost two orders of magnitude. Detailed synthesis of small molecule inhibitors in a general lead discovery library as well as a targeted library for inhibition of α-thrombin is described. For the lead discovery library 160 members emanate from two N4-aryl-piperazine-2-carboxylic acid scaffolds derivatized in two dimensions employing a combinatorial approach on solid support. The targeted library was based on peptidomimetics of the D-Phe-Pro-Arg showing the scaffolds cyclopropane-1R,2R-dicarboxylic acid and (4-amino-3-oxo-morpholin-2-yl)- acetic acid as proline isosters. Employing 4-aminomethyl-benzamidine as arginine mimic and different hydrophobic amines and electrophiles as D-phenylalanine mimics resulted in 34 compounds showing IC50 values for α-thrombin ranging more than three orders of magnitude with the best inhibitor showing an IC50 of 130 nM. Interestingly, the best inhibitors showed reversed stereochemistry in comparison with a previously reported series employing a 3-oxo-morpholin-2-yl-acetic acid scaffold.

Les biothérapies (anticorps monoclonaux, récepteurs solubles) ciblant les cytokines IL-6 etTNF-alpha pour le traitement des maladies inflammatoires chroniques ont constitué un succèsmajeur de l’industrie pharmaceutique. Elles présentent néanmoins des inconvénientsimportants : résistances, mode d’administration contraignant, coût élevé.Notre équipe travaille sur l’identification de petites molécules inhibant directement cescytokines, afin d’élargir l’offre thérapeutique existante. Administrées par voie orale, ellesconstitueraient une alternative particluièrement favorable aux patients.Durant ma thèse, j’ai réalisé le criblage expérimental (tests cellulaires et tests biochimiquesde liaison) des meilleurs composés identifiés par criblage virtuel d’un grande chimiothèque dediversité, ainsi que de composés dérivés de pyridazine issus d’une chimiothèque médicinale. J’aiainsi pu identifier plusieurs inhibiteurs directs du TNF-alpha et de l’IL-6. De plus, mon travail apermis d’affiner les procédures de criblage du Laboratoire.Ces travaux ouvrent de nouvelles pistes pour le développement de médicaments anti-cytokines. / Anti-cytokine biologics (monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors) targeting TNF-alpha and IL-6in chronic inflammatory diseases have been a major success for pharmaceutical industry.However, they exhibit several drawbacks : resistance, difficult administration, high costs.Our team works on the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of cytokines suck as TNF-alphaand IL-6, in order to widen the range of therapeutic drugs. Orally active drugs would represent ahighly beneficial alternative for patients.During my PhD, I have performed an experimental screening (using cellular and biochemicalbinding testings) of the best compounds identified through virtual screening of a large chemicallibrary, and on pyridazine compounds of a medicinal chemical library. I have been able toidentify several small molecules inhibiting the interaction of TNF-! and IL-6 with their receptor.Moreover, my work will have an impact on the laboratory screening strategies.Overall, this work opens new avenues for anti-cytokine drug discovery.

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