| abstract |
ENZYME INHIBIT COMPOUNDS. Peptide-based compounds including three-membered heteroatom-containing rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophilic hydrolases (Ntn). The activities of these Ntns having a multiplicity of activities may be differentially inhibited by the described compounds. Chymotrypsin-like activity, for example, of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the compounds of the invention. Peptide-based compounds include an epoxide or aziridine and N-terminal functionalization. Among other therapeutic uses, peptide-based compounds are expected to have anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation. |