Synthesis, in vitro evaluation and molecular docking studies of new triazole derivatives as antifungal agents

On the basis of the active site of lanosterol 14α-demethylase from Candida albicans (CACYP51), a series of 1-(2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-one derivatives were synthesized as fluconazole analogs. Results of the preliminary antifungal tests against eight human pathogenic fungi in vitro showed that these compounds exhibited activities to some extent, and some displayed excellent antifungal activities against C. albicans than reference drug fluconazole. Flexible molecular docking was used to analyze the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of the target compounds. The designed compounds interact with CACYP51 through hydrophobic, van der Waals and hydrogen-bonding interactions.

Graphical abstractA series of novel triazole derivatives containing a triazolone side chain were designed and synthesized. The binding mode was clarified by molecular docking.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide