The antimalarial compound ELQ-400 is an unusual inhibitor of the bc1 complex, targeting both Qo and Qi sites

Abstract

Inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain cytochrome bc₁ complex, such as the antimalarial atovaquone and ELQ-300, and many well-studied compounds, are classified as either Q_o or Q_i site inhibitors based on their site of action. Here, we investigated the site of action of ELQ-400 that showed an unusual behaviour, being effective against parasites resistant to the Q_o site inhibitor atovaquone or to the Q_i site inhibitor ELQ-300. Analysis of yeast mutants and comparison with atovaquone and other ELQs strongly suggest that ELQ-400 targets both Q_o and Q_i sites. Dual site inhibition would be particularly efficient as it would lower the risk of acquired resistance. However, such compounds are seldom found, which could be explained by structural and mechanistic differences between the sites.

Keywords: Qo and Qi site inhibitors; complex III; respiratory chain.