CU-3 is the racemate of (5Z,2E)-CU-3. (5Z,2E)-CU-3 is a potent and selective inhibitor against the α-isozyme of DGK with an IC50 value of 0.6 μM, competitively inhibits the affinity of DGKα for ATP with a Km value of 0.48 mM. (5Z,2E)-CU-3 targets the catalytic region, but not the regulatory region of DGKα. (5Z,2E)-CU-3 has antitumoral and proimmunogenic effects, enhances the apoptosis of cancer cells and the activation of T cells[1].
[1]. Liu K, et al. A novel diacylglycerol kinase α-selective inhibitor, CU-3, induces cancer cell apoptosis and enhances immune response. J Lipid Res. 2016 Mar;57(3):368-79.