The role of polycyclic frameworks in modulating P2X 7 receptor function

Herein we describe our recent attempts to target the P2X7 receptor for potential treatment of neurological disorders. This work focusses on different polycycles including carborane, adamantane or cubane, joined by either a cyanoguanidine or an amide linker to phenyl or isoquinoline moieties. We have demonstrated the superiority of the adamantyl moiety over other polycycles in terms of synthetic accessibility and biological (cellular) activity. We have also shown that an amide or cyanoguanidine linker can greatly alter the biological activity of compounds. This SAR study provides important insights into the types of functionality required to target the P2X7 receptor.