Multi-target Design Strategies in the Context of Alzheimer’s Disease: Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition and NMDA Receptor Antagonism as the Driving Forces

摘要

In recent years, the multi-target-directed ligand concept has been used to design a variety of molecules hitting different biological targets for Alzheimer’s disease. We have sought to combine, in the same molecule, the neuroprotective action of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonism with the symptomatic relief offered by cholinergic activity through acetylcholinesterase inhibition. This strategy could potentially maintain the positive outcomes of memantine–acetylcholinesterase inhibitor combinations, but with the benefits of a single molecule therapy. Herein, we discuss selected examples of multifunctional compounds, which we rationally designed to simultaneously modulate these targets. We also examine the intertwined relationship between acetylcholinesterase, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, and other active players in the neurotoxic cascade.