Inhibition of human cytomegalovirus protease No with monocyclic β-lactams

Monocyclic beta-lactams have been identified as potent and selective inhibitors of the human cytomegalovirus protease (HCMV) N-o. Two series of these inhibitors are described, a peptidyl series of compounds and non-peptidic molecules featuring lower molecular weights. The SAR work that lead to the discovery of these inhibitors, together with their synthesis is also disclosed. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.