Design of (N)-methanocarba adenosine 5′-uronamides as species-independent A3 receptor-selective agonists

2-Chloro-5′-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine analogues containing the (N)-methanocarba (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) ring system as a ribose substitute display increased selectivity as agonists of the human A3 adenosine receptor (AR). However, the selectivity in mouse was greatly reduced due to an increased tolerance of this ring system at the mouse A1AR. Therefore, we varied substituents at the N6 and C2 positions in search of compounds that have improved A3AR selectivity and are species independent. An N6-methyl analogue was balanced in affinity at mouse A1/A3ARs, with high selectivity in comparison to the A2AAR. Substitution of the 2-chloro atom with larger and more hydrophobic substituents, such as iodo and alkynyl groups, tended to increase the A3AR selectivity (up to 430-fold) in mouse and preserve it in human. Extended and chemically functionalized alkynyl chains attached at the C2 position of the purine moiety preserved A3AR selectivity more effectively than similar chains attached at the 3-position of the N6-benzyl group.