HERPESVIRUS PROTEASES - TARGETS FOR NOVEL ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

Herpesvirus proteases have emerged as targets for the development of n ovel antiviral drugs. These enzymes, which are necessary for the repli cation of all herpesviruses, are serine proteases, but possess a uniqu e structure as revealed by solution of the crystal structure of human cytomegalovirus protease. Many of the biochemical properties of these enzymes are now explained by the structure. Conventional serine protea se inhibitors are not potent inhibitors of these enzymes and therefore the search for potent inhibitors possessing necessary features of an effective antiviral will require novel approaches. The three-dimension al structure serves as a milestone for continued endeavors towards thi s goal. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.