Design, Synthesis, Structure−Activity Relationships, and Molecular Modeling Studies of 2,3-Diaryl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones as Potent Anti-HIV Agents BarrecaMaria L. BalzariniJan ChimirriAlba ClercqErik De LucaLaura De HöltjeHans Dieter HöltjeMonika MonforteAnna Maria MonfortePietro PannecouqueChristophe RaoAngela ZappalàMaria 2002 Starting from 1<i>H</i>,3<i>H</i>-thiazolo[3,4-<i>a</i>]benzimidazoles (TBZs), we performed the design, synthesis, and the structure−activity relationship studies of a series of 2,3-diaryl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones. Some derivatives proved to be highly effective in inhibiting HIV-1 replication at nanomolar concentrations with minimal cytotoxicity, thereby acting as nonnucleoside HIV-1 RT inhibitors (NNRTIs). Computational studies were used to delineate the ligand-RT interactions and to probe the binding of the ligands to HIV-1 RT.