Inhibition of human cytomegalovirus protease No with monocyclic β-lactams

Monocyclic β-lactams have been identified as potent and selective inhibitors of the human cytomegalovirus protease (HCMV) No. 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.