This invention provides compounds of formula I: ##STR00001## wherein Z is oxygen or sulfur; R.sup.1 is hydrogen, --CHN.sub.2, R, CH.sub.2OR, CH.sub.2SR, or --CH.sub.2Y; next to R.sup.3 represents a single or double bond; Y is an electronegative leaving group; R.sup.2 is CO.sub.2H, CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, or esters, amides or isosteres thereof; R.sup.3 is a group capable of fitting into the S2 subsite of a caspase enzyme; R.sup.4 is a hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl or R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 taken together form a ring; Ring A and Ring B are each heterocyclic rings, and R and R.sup.5 are as described in the specification. The compounds are effective inhibitors of apoptosis and IL-1.beta. secretion.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/292,969, filed on May 23,2001, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
This invention relates to methods and compositions for treating autoinflammatory diseases. The invention also assays for evaluating the ability of an ICE inhibitor to treat autoinflammatory diseases.
