The present invention relates to tricyclic 2-pyrimidone compounds of
formula (I): ##STR00001## or stereoisomeric forms, stereoisomeric
mixtures, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, which are
useful as inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase, and to pharmaceutical
compositions and diagnostic kits comprising the same, and methods of
using the same for treating viral infection or as an assay standard or
reagent.