Synthetic N-pyridinyl(methyl)-indol-3-ylpropanamides as new potential immunosuppressive agents

Several N-pyridinyl(methyl)-indol-3-ylpropanamides were synthesized and pharmacological evaluations of their immunosuppressive potential were performed. Among thirteen compounds tested in vitro on murine T proliferation, three showed interesting inhibiting activity. For the most active compound (propanamide 18), immunosuppressive activity was documented both in vitro on human T lymphocytes proliferation and in vivo on mice delayed-type hypersensitivity. These experimental data demonstrated that these compounds hold potential as immunosuppressive agents.