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Manipulation of ACE2 expression in COVID-19
Farhan Chaudhry1, Sergio Lavandero2,3, Xiang Xie4
1Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA gf9603@wayne.edu.
Open Heart
|January 14, 2021
Summary
Decreased baseline ACE2 expression may increase susceptibility to severe COVID-19 complications. Modulating ACE2 levels could potentially improve outcomes for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Area of Science:
- * Virology and Immunology
- * Respiratory Medicine
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for cellular entry, impacting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
- * ACE2 is expressed in the lower respiratory tract, particularly on alveolar epithelial cells, playing a role in lung physiology.
- * Controversy exists regarding ACE2's role in COVID-19 pathogenesis, with differing views on whether reduced expression increases or decreases susceptibility and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review existing literature on the role of ACE2 expression in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- * To address the controversy surrounding ACE2's function in the context of viral pneumonia and lung injury.
- * To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which ACE2 expression influences COVID-19 outcomes.
Main Methods:
- * Comprehensive literature search and review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- * Analysis of publications related to SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, ACE2, viral pneumonia, SARS, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and lung injury.
- * Synthesis of findings to evaluate the impact of ACE2 expression on disease progression.
Main Results:
- * Evidence suggests a potential link between reduced baseline ACE2 expression and increased susceptibility to severe COVID-19 complications.
- * SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2 may lead to its downregulation, potentially exacerbating lung injury.
- * Modulating ACE2 expression is proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy to improve COVID-19 outcomes.
Conclusions:
- * ACE2 expression levels may be a critical factor in determining COVID-19 patient susceptibility and disease severity.
- * Understanding the complex role of ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- * Targeting ACE2 pathways presents a promising avenue for mitigating lung injury and improving outcomes in COVID-19.
