From computer simulation to therapeutic potential: ETA53 for myocardial infarction

In the severity of myocardial infarction, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 9 plays a pivotal role in the inflammatory responses induced through damage-associated molecular patterns involving mitochondrial DNA and HMGB1. However, the therapeutic agents currently available for myocardial infarction substantially lack any association with the effects on immune responses. In this study, we applied a comprehensive drug discovery approach, which integrates in silico, in vitro, and in vivo processes, as well as determined therapeutic effects and mechanisms free from side effects. In an animal model of myocardial infarction, conditioned based on pharmacological properties, improved effects compared to the FDA-approved Rosuvastatin were detected. In summary, a small molecular inhibitor, ETA53 (endosomal Toll-like receptor antagonist 53), which selectively acts on TLR9 in nano-molar units, was developed. ETA53 was found to be effective for treating myocardial infarction caused by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, based on indicators such as cardiac function, inflammation, infarct size, and fibrosis. The results offered insights that varied from those of conventional drug development perspectives; consequently, the novel inhibitor may provide an alternative treatment with a mechanism different from that of the commercially available drugs for myocardial infarction. Overall design: Gene expression profiling analysis of RNA-seq data to verify the effect of ETA53 in a myocardial infarction model.