Erlotinib-containing benzenesulfonamides as anti-Helicobacter pylori agents through carbonic anhydrase inhibition

Aim: Development of dual-acting antibacterial agents containing Erlotinib, a recognized EGFR inhibitor used as an anticancer agent, with differently spaced benzenesulfonamide moieties known to bind and inhibit Helicobacter pylori carbonic anhydrase (HpCA) or the antiviral Zidovudine. Methods & materials: Through rational design, ten derivatives were obtained via a straightforward synthesis including a click chemistry reaction. Inhibitory activity against a panel of pathogenic carbonic anhydrases and antibacterial susceptibility of H. pylori ATCC 43504 were assessed. Docking studies on alpha-carbonic anhydrase enzymes and EGFR were conducted to gain insight into the binding mode of these compounds. Results & conclusion: Some compounds proved to be strong inhibitors of HpCA and showed good anti-H. pylori activity. Computational studies on the targeted enzymes shed light on the interaction hotspots.