Rational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Thiazole/Thiazolidinones Multitarget Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Molecules

<b>Background:</b> HIV-1 RT inhibitors were the first drugs approved to treat AIDS and remain key components of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). While HAART effectively suppresses viral replication and slows disease progression, it has limitations, including long-term side effects and the emergence of drug-resistant strains, highlighting the need for new treatments. <b>Objectives:</b> Based on our previous experience, and insights from existing inhibitors of HIV-1 RT and RNase H, we aim to design and synthesize safer, multifunctional molecules. <b>Methods:</b> Using molecular docking studies, these compounds will incorporate pharmacophores targeting multiple stages of the HIV life cycle to enhance efficacy, reduce resistance, and improve pharmacokinetics. The compounds were synthesized via a one-pot three component reaction. The synthesized compounds were identified using spectroscopy and tested in vitro for activity against key HIV targets, including RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) and RNAse H. <b>Results:</b> Among the synthesized compounds, several demonstrated strong inhibitory activity, with compound <b>11</b> showing IC₅₀ values comparable to the reference drug Nevirapine, and compound <b>4</b> exhibiting dual inhibition of both RT and RNase H activities. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, combining computational modeling with experimental validation, to identify promising leads for therapeutic development.