| abstract |
The present invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting proteases. One aspect of the invention features a prosoft inhibitor that reacts with an activated protease and releases an activity inhibitor component in proximity to the target protease. In some examples, the compound inhibits proteasome and / or post-proline cleaving enzyme (PPCE), such as dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The compounds of the present invention provide better therapeutic indices, in part due to reduced toxicity and / or improved specificity for the target protease. |