A series of 1, 2, 4-triazole l-nucleosides were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to stimulate type 1 cytokine production by activated human T cells in direct comparison to the known active agent ribavirin. Among the compounds prepared, 1-β-l-ribofuranosyl-1, 2, 4- triazole-3-carboxamide (5, ICN 17261) was found to be the most uniformly potent compound. Conversion of the 3-carboxamide group of 5 to a carboxamidine functionality ...