CASPASE INHIBITORS AND USES THEREOF

摘要

This invention provides caspase inhibitors of formula I: wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur; R1 is hydrogen, —CHN2, R, CH2OR, CH2SR, or —CH2Y; between R3 and R4 represents a single or double bond; Y is an electronegative leaving group; R2 is CO2H, CH2CO2H, or esters, amides or isosteres thereof; R3 is a group capable of fitting into the S2 subsite of a caspase enzyme; R4 is a hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl or R3 and R4 taken together form a ring; Ring A and Ring B are each heterocyclic rings, and R and R5 are as described in the specification. The compounds are effective inhibitors of apoptosis and IL-1&bgr; secretion.