Cathepsin S is a highly active cysteine protease belonging to the papain superfamily. It is found mainly in lymph nodes, spleen, and macrophages and this limited occurrence suggests the potential involvement of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of degenerative disease. The invention relates to novel protease inhibitors, particularly inhibitors of the cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily and more particularly to Cathepsin S. The inhibitors are Furanone derivatives of Formula (II) which have a characteristic non-hydrogen substituent R5. They are selective over other members of the family and in particular show selectivity over other members of the Cathepsin family such as L and K.
Cathepsin S 是一种属于
木瓜蛋白酶超家族的高活性半胱
氨酸
蛋白酶。它主要存在于淋巴结、脾脏和巨噬细胞中,这种有限的存在表明这种酶可能参与了变性疾病的发病机制。本发明涉及新型蛋白酶抑制剂,特别是
木瓜蛋白酶超家族半胱
氨酸
蛋白酶的
抑制剂,尤其是 Cathepsin S。它们对该家族的其他成员具有选择性,特别是对
酪蛋白酶家族的其他成员如 L 和 K 具有选择性。