In this review the authors summarize the experimental data on the role of a selected group of
metalloproteins, particularly viral (v) and cellular (c) zinc finger
proteins (ZFP) and
iron containing
proteins which are involved in cell proliferation, neovascularization, apoptosis, and
viral infection. Furthermore, this review summarizes the data embracing the hypothesis that disruption of certain
metalloproteins by novel pharmacological agents is a key factor in controlling viral and proliferative diseases. The primary goal of this review is to show the potential therapeutic applications of ZFP disrupting agents,
zinc chelators and
iron chelators in the control of
viral diseases and
cancer. It is known that
zinc or
iron deficiency, resulting from exposure of culture cells to membrane-permeable Zn2+ or Fe(2+)-
chelators, can induced apoptosis in virally transformed cells while normal cells remain unaffected under these conditions. Apoptosis is possibly due to simultaneous inactivation of vZFP, cZFP, and/or
iron containing
proteins, which are essential for maintenance of cellular and viral structure and which are activated in virally transformed cells. New insights concerning apoptosis, viral
metalloproteins, and novel
antiviral agents will also be reviewed. From the evidence reviewed, one can infer that development of a variety of drugs that control or neutralize vZFP may lead to a new therapeutic approach directed at controlling and preventing a wide spectrum of
viral diseases and
cancer. Furthermore, the results suggest that these agents may be useful to prevent transmission of
viral diseases. Finally, this review not only points out the limits of our understanding of this system, but also directs scientists to opportunities for future research.