Synthesis of Pseudomonas quorum-sensing autoinducer analogs and structural entities required for induction of apoptosis in macrophages.

The synthesis of the analogs of N-3-oxododecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (1) and their structure-activity relationship for the apoptotic induction in macrophages, P388D1 cells, are described. It was revealed that the position of the oxo group in the acyl side chain in addition to the presence of the L-homoserine lactone unit is crucial for the apoptosis-inducing activity. Furthermore, the long acyl side chains with hydrophobic distal ends are preferable for the activity.