Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: a functional receptor for SARS coronavirus

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cellular Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Enveloped virus entry into host cells relies on surface attachment proteins and receptor interactions.
• The precise mechanisms of viral and cellular membrane fusion remain incompletely understood.
• A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV, emerged as the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the specific host cell receptor utilized by SARS-CoV for cellular entry.
• To facilitate the development of targeted antiviral therapies and vaccines against SARS-CoV.
• To enhance the understanding of SARS pathogenesis and identify potential animal reservoirs.

Main Methods:

• Cloning and characterization of the SARS-CoV fusion protein gene.
• Functional assays to determine the role of host cell surface proteins in viral entry.
• Identification of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the SARS-CoV receptor.

Main Results:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was identified as the functional receptor for SARS-CoV.
• The binding of SARS-CoV to ACE2 facilitates viral entry into host cells.
• This identification provides a key target for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions:

• ACE2 is the critical host cell receptor for SARS-CoV entry.
• The discovery of ACE2 as a receptor opens avenues for developing SARS-CoV antivirals and vaccines.
• Further research using ACE2 may aid in creating animal models and identifying the SARS-CoV animal reservoir.