Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic target

Abstract

A novel infectious disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.The disease (COVID-19) spread rapidly, reaching epidemic proportions in China, and has been found in 27 other countries.As of February 27, 2020, over 82,000 cases of COVID-19 were reported, with > 2800 deaths.No specific therapeutics are available, and current management includes travel restrictions, patient isolation, and supportive medical care.There are a number of pharmaceuticals already being tested [1, 2], but a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology is required.In this context, this article will briefly review the rationale for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor as a specific target.