Succinimide and saccharin-based enzyme-activated inhibitors of serine proteases.

The inhibition of human leukocyte elastase (HLE), and other serine proteases, by succinimide and saccharin-based compounds is reviewed. The succinimide compounds are unique in that the inactivating species is generated within the enzyme active site via a molecular rearrangement. The related saccharin derivatives also inactivate serine proteases by an enzyme-activated mechanism. Those factors effecting the potency, selectivity and stability of these important classes of inhibitor are discussed.