1. The present invention provides compositions and methods for reversibly
inhibiting S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase. The compounds of
the present invention can be used as an anti-hemorrhagic viral infection
agent, an immunosuppressant, a homocysteine lowering agent, or an
anti-neoplasm agent. The compositions and methods of the present
invention can be used for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic
virus infection, autoimmune diseases, autograft rejection, neoplasm,
hyperhomocysteineuria, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer's
disease, multiple sclerosis or diabetes. The compound of the present
invention and/or used in the present invention has the formula (I):
##STR00001## wherein Z is selected from the group consisting of carbon
and nitrogen, R1 and R2 are the same or different, and are selected from
the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl,
alkoxy, amino, aryl, heteroaryl, and halogen; R3 and R4 are the same or
different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl,
acetyl, alkenyl, aryl, and heteroaryl; X is selected from the group
consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur; and Y is selected from the
group consisting of hydrogen, a C.sub.1-10 alkyl group, alkenyl, vinyl,
aryl, and heteroaryl, provided that the compound is not
(4-adenine-9-yl)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid.