Compound TE3, also known as ROS inducer 4, serves as a mitochondrial inhibitor. This compound induces a variety of mitochondria-related physiological alterations in tumors, including mitochondrial fragmentation, intense generation and accumulation of ROS, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and lower ATP content. Additionally, it activates ROS-mediated apoptotic signaling within mitochondria.

ROS inducer 4 (compound TE3) exhibits anticancer activity in HeLa, A549, and HCT-15 cells with IC50 values of 4.83, 3.49, and 8.74 µM, respectively. At a concentration of 8 µM, ROS inducer 4 disrupts mitochondrial function in HeLa cells by inducing ROS. Additionally, ROS inducer 4 (1-8 µM) induces apoptosis in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to its parent molecule, Ergosterol peroxide, ROS inducer 4 demonstrates significantly enhanced anticancer activity.

ROS inducer 4 (compound TE3) has an LD50 of 70 mg/kg in C57BL/6 female mice, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 59.29 to 97.9 mg/kg. Compared to Cisplatin, ROS inducer 4 (1-2 mg/kg) exhibits superior anti-cervical cancer efficacy and safety, and it can activate the immune response in mice. ROS inducer 4 displays moderate toxicity, yet shows no significant toxic effects at an effective dose (1 mg/kg).