Tryptophan-derived butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors as promising leads against Alzheimer's disease.

We have identified tryptophan-based selective nanomolar butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. They are defined according to their chemical modularity, novel binding mode revealed by five solved crystal structures with human BChE, low cytotoxicity, and predicted permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Altogether, these factors indicate their potential as unique lead compounds for symptomatic therapy against Alzheimer's disease.