This invention relates to a novel class of heterocyclic compounds that bind
chemokine receptors, inhibiting the binding of their natural ligands
thereby. These compounds result in protective effects against infection by
HIV through binding to chemokine receptors, including CXCR4 and CCR5, thus
inhibiting the subsequent binding by these chemokines. The present
invention provides a compound of Formula I
##STR1##
wherein, W is a nitrogen atom and Y is absent or, W is a carbon atom and
Y.dbd.H;
R.sup.1 to R.sup.7 may be the same or different and are independently
selected from hydrogen or straight, branched or cyclic C.sub.1-6 alkyl;
R.sup.8 is a substituted heterocyclic group or a substituted aromatic group
Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring each optionally substituted at
single or multiple, non-linking positions with electron-donating or
withdrawing groups;
n and n' are independently, 0-2;
X is a group of the formula:
##STR2##
Wherein, Ring A is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated 5 or
6-membered ring, and P is an optionally substituted carbon atom, an
optionally substituted nitrogen atom, sulfur or oxygen atom. Ring B is an
optionally substituted 5 to 7-membered ring. Ring A and Ring B in the
above formula can be connected to the group W from any position via the
group V, wherein V is a chemical bond, a (CH.sub.2).sub.n" group (where
n"=0-2) or a C.dbd.O group. Z is, (1) a hydrogen atom, (2) an optionally
substituted C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, (3) a C.sub.0-6 alkyl group substituted
with an optionally substituted aromatic or heterocyclic group, (4) an
optionally substituted C.sub.0-6 alkylamino or C.sub.3-7 cycloalkylamino
group, (5) an optionally substituted carbonyl group or sulfonyl. These
compounds further include any pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition
salts and metal complexes thereof and any stereoisomeric forms and
mixtures of stereoisomeric forms thereof.
