Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel Δ²-Thiazolino 2-Pyridone Derivatives That Potentiate Isoniazid Activity in an Isoniazid-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Mutant

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) drug resistance poses an alarming threat to global tuberculosis control. We previously reported that C10, a ring-fused thiazolo-2-pyridone, inhibits Mtb respiration, blocks biofilm formation, and restores the activity of the antibiotic isoniazid (INH) in INH-resistant Mtb isolates. This discovery revealed a new strategy to address INH resistance. Expanding upon this strategy, we identified C10 analogues with improved potency and drug-like properties. By exploring three heterocycle spacers (oxadiazole, 1,2,3-triazole, and isoxazole) on the ring-fused thiazolo-2-pyridone scaffold, we identified two novel isoxazoles, 17h and 17j. 17h and 17j inhibited Mtb respiration and biofilm formation more potently with a broader therapeutic window, were better potentiators of INH-mediated inhibition of an INH-resistant Mtb mutant, and more effectively inhibited intracellular Mtb replication than C10. The (−)17j enantiomer showed further enhanced activity compared to its enantiomer and the 17j racemic mixture. Our potent second-generation C10 analogues offer promise for therapeutic development against drug-resistant Mtb.