Discovery, SAR and X-ray structure of 1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid cyclohexyl-methyl-amides as inhibitors of inducible T-cell kinase (Itk)

A series of novel potent benzimidazole based inhibitors of interleukin-2 T-cell kinase (Itk) were prepared. In this report, we discuss the structure–activity relationship (SAR), selectivity, and cell-based activity for the series. We also discuss the SAR associated with an X-ray structure of one of the small-molecule inhibitors bound to ITK.