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Determining available strategies for prevention and therapy: Exploring COVID‑19 from the perspective of ACE2 (Review)
Liyang Cai1, Xi Guo2, Yuchen Cao1
1The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is an acute infectious pneumonia caused by a novel type of coronavirus infection. There are currently no clinically available specific drugs for the treatment of this virus. The process of host invasion is the key to viral infection, and it is a mechanism that needs to be considered when exploring antiviral drugs. At present, studies have confirmed that angiotensin‑converting enzyme II (ACE2) is the main functional receptor through which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‑CoV‑2) invades host cells. Therefore, a number of studies have focused on this field. However, as ACE2 may play a dual role in mediating susceptibility and immunity to SARS‑CoV‑2 infection, the role of ACE2 in viral infection is controversial. Beginning with the physiological function of ACE2, the present review article summarizes the influence of the ACE2 content on the susceptibility to the virus and acute lung injury. Drug mechanisms were taken as the starting point, combined with the results of clinical trials, specifically elaborating upon and analyzing the efficacy of several ACE2‑centered therapeutic drugs and their potential effects. In addition, the current status of ACE2 as a targeted therapy for COVID‑19 is discussed in order to provide new insight into the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID‑19.
Insights
This review examines how angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) influences susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and acute lung injury. It analyzes ACE2-centered therapies for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2, with no specific antiviral drugs currently available.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is identified as the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, making it a key target for antiviral strategies.
- The precise role of ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains debated due to its potential dual function in mediating both susceptibility and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological role of ACE2 in viral infection and its impact on susceptibility and acute lung injury.
- To analyze the efficacy and potential mechanisms of ACE2-centered therapeutic drugs for COVID-19, referencing clinical trial data.
- To discuss the current status of ACE2 as a therapeutic target for COVID-19, offering insights for clinical prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the physiological functions of ACE2.
- Analysis of studies investigating the correlation between ACE2 levels and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and acute lung injury.
- Examination of drug mechanisms and clinical trial results for ACE2-targeted therapies.
Main Results:
- ACE2 content significantly influences host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of acute lung injury.
- Several ACE2-centered drugs demonstrate potential therapeutic effects, with varying efficacy observed in clinical trials.
- Targeting ACE2 presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- ACE2 plays a critical, albeit complex, role in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and COVID-19 progression.
- ACE2-targeted therapies hold significant potential for the clinical management of COVID-19.
- Further research into ACE2's dual role is crucial for optimizing therapeutic interventions and clinical strategies.
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