Advances in Targeting ACE2 for Developing COVID-19 Therapeutics.

Area of Science:

• Virology and Molecular Biology
• Drug Discovery and Development
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused millions of deaths, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.
• Understanding viral entry mechanisms is crucial for identifying effective treatment targets.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) plays a vital role in cardiorespiratory function and serves as the primary entry point for SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review therapeutic approaches targeting the ACE2 receptor for COVID-19 treatment.
• To compare the advantages of ACE2-targeting strategies against alternative therapeutic targets.
• To highlight ACE2's critical role in SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry and viral propagation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of therapeutic strategies targeting viral entry receptors.
• Comparative analysis of ACE2 as a therapeutic target versus TMPRSS2, RdRp, and DPP4.
• Discussion of drug candidates and strategies aimed at modulating ACE2 expression or function.

Main Results:

• ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding, facilitating viral entry.
• Targeting ACE2 presents a promising therapeutic avenue for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• ACE2-targeting strategies show potential advantages over targeting other viral or host factors.

Conclusions:

• Modulating ACE2 offers a significant therapeutic strategy for combating COVID-19.
• Further research into ACE2-focused therapies is warranted to develop effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2.
• Understanding the interplay between ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 is critical for advancing antiviral drug development.