Ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors as anti-herpes agents

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) supply the 2′-deoxyribonucleotide building blocks for DNA synthesis in mammalian cells and for herpes viruses. The viral-encoded RNRs have unique protein sequences that differ from mammalian enzyme primary structures. Selective inhibition of a viral RNR might provide an approach to new anti-herpes agents with minimal effects on the mammalian host RNRs. This review summarizes efforts to develop anti-herpes agents that selectively target viral-encoded RNRs.