Abstract
KRAS remains a challenging therapeutic target with limited effective inhibitors currently available. Here, we report the discovery of MCB-294, a potent dual-state pan-KRAS inhibitor capable of binding both the active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) forms of KRAS. MCB-294 engages the switch-II pocket through a water-mediated hydrogen-bond network and selectively inhibits KRAS over NRAS and HRAS. It effectively suppresses oncogenic KRAS signaling, inhibits the growth of KRAS-dependent cancer cells and patient-derived organoids, and reduces tumor progression in multiple preclinical models. MCB-294 also demonstrates superior activity compared to the inactive-state selective pan-KRAS inhibitor Bl-2865 and the KRASG12D inhibitor MRTX1133. Building upon MCB-294 as a pan-KRAS-targeting warhead, we further develop MCB-36, a von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-recruiting pan-KRAS degrader that induces sustained KRAS degradation. Notably, both MCB-294 and MCB-36 effectively suppress KRASG12C inhibitor-resistant cancer cells and remodel the tumor immune microenvironment. These findings highlight a promising therapeutic strategy for broadly targeting KRAS-driven tumors and overcoming drug resistance.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1866-1884.e12 |
| Journal | Cancer Cell |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 13 Oct 2025 |
Keywords
- KRAS
- KRAS signaling
- cancer therapeutics
- degrader
- immune evasion
- oncogenic KRAS
- pan-KRAS inhibitor
- targeted protein degradation
- therapy resistance
- tumor immune microenvironment