New Potent and Selective Inhibitors of Herpes Simplex Virus Tbyhidine Kinase

Abstract Analogues of 5-ethyl-2′-deoxyuridine with modifications in the 5′-position have been prepared as potent inhibitors of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV TK). The most potent compound in the series is extremely selective for the viral enzyme, antagonises the antiviral activity of acyclovir in vitro and shows a protective effect in virus-infected mice.