A novel small-molecule tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor attenuates inflammation in a hepatitis mouse model

Abstract

Background: Most commercial TNFα inhibitors are biomacromolecules. Results: A lead compound named C87 was identified using computer-aided drug design and could attenuate murine acute hepatitis. Conclusion: C87 was one of the first effective small-molecule inhibitors of TNFα identified to date. Significance: The study highlights the effectiveness of combining virtual screening with functional assays for developing novel small-molecule TNFα inhibitors. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.