Synthesis of 9-substituted 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazole derivatives and evaluation of their anti-prion activity in TSE-infected cells

► Forty-seven GJP14 derivatives were designed and synthesized. ► Anti-prion activity of GJP14 derivatives was evaluated in TSE-infected cells. ► The derivatives bearing an N-ortho-halobenzyl group exhibited an improved activity. ► (S)-Enantiomer was identified as the eutomer.