Identification of an Iridium(III)-Based Inhibitor of Tumor Necrosis Factor‑α

The
novel iridium­(III) complex 1 was verified as a
potent inhibitor of the TNF-α–TNFR protein–protein
interaction in vitro and in cellulo. The
iridium­(III) center plays a critical role in organizing the structure
of the bioactive metal complex, as the isolated ligands were found
to be completely inactive. Both iridium enantiomers inhibited TNF-α-induced
NF-κB activity and TNF-α–TNFR binding. 1 represents a promising scaffold for the further development of more
potent organometallic TNF-α inhibitors.