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Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) role in disease and future in research
Amal Abdul-Hafez1, Tarek Mohamed1, Bruce D Uhal2
1Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, USA.
Journal of Lung, Pulmonary & Respiratory Research
|August 20, 2021
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, uses angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) as its host cell receptor. This review overviews ACE-2 biology and its role in viral entry.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2.
- ACE-2 is identified as the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV.
- SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE-2 is stronger than in SARS-CoV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an overview of ACE-2 biology.
- To explain the role of ACE-2 in SARS-CoV-2 entry.
- To highlight the significance of ACE-2-spike protein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on ACE-2 and coronaviruses.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of viral entry.
- Synthesis of information on ACE-2 structure and function.
Main Results:
- ACE-2 serves as the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2.
- The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 is crucial for cell entry.
- TMPRSS2 protease facilitates viral entry by cleaving the spike protein.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ACE-2 biology is critical for comprehending SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
- The ACE-2 receptor is a key target for therapeutic interventions against COVID-19.
- Further research into ACE-2 interactions can inform strategies to combat viral respiratory diseases.
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