Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of (E)‑α-Fluorovinylphosphonate-Based Reversible Cathepsin C Inhibitors

In this study, we describe the synthesis
of novel dipeptide
analogs
of (E)-α-fluorovinylphosphonates, with a key
step involving the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons (HWE) reaction.
The synthesized compounds were evaluated as potential reversible inhibitors
of the cathepsin C enzyme. Comprehensive characterization of the target
molecules was performed, and their inhibitory activity was assessed.
Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to elucidate
the binding interactions of the synthesized derivatives within the
cathepsin C active site. The results highlight promising structural
features for the design of effective enzyme inhibitors and provide
a foundation for further optimization of fluorovinylphosphonate-based
dipeptides.