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Published on: November 5, 2021
Overview of pharmacotherapy targeting COVID-19 disease based on ACE-2: current challenges and future directions
Antonio Vitiello1, Andrea Zovi1, Ugo Trama2
1Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
The new Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV‑2) triggered the pandemic of COVID-19, which is currently still ongoing. In 2021 a worldwide vaccine campaign was launched, and in parallel the lines of research are continuing to target the most effective drug therapies for the treatment of COVID-19 disease. SARS-CoV‑2 enters host cells via glycoprotein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), which plays a major role in renin-angiotensin system interactions and undergoes changes in expression during metabolic and viral diseases, including COVID-19. It seems that the severe lung damage that occurs in several cases of COVID-19 disease may be connected to a deregulated expression of ACE‑2. In this manuscript we focus on the line of research that studies the pharmacological modification of ACE‑2 expression, a promising weapon to counter the severe harms caused by COVID-19.
Insights
Researchers are exploring ways to modify the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) to combat severe lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This approach aims to develop new drug therapies for COVID-19 treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, necessitates the development of effective drug therapies.
- SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells is mediated by the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor.
- ACE-2 expression is altered in viral diseases like COVID-19 and plays a role in the renin-angiotensin system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of pharmacologically modifying ACE-2 expression as a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
- To explore the link between deregulated ACE-2 expression and severe lung damage in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on research into ACE-2 expression.
- Analysis of the role of ACE-2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis.
- Exploration of pharmacological interventions targeting ACE-2.
Main Results:
- Deregulated ACE-2 expression is implicated in severe lung damage observed in some COVID-19 cases.
- Modifying ACE-2 expression presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention.
- Targeting ACE-2 could offer a novel strategy to mitigate the severe consequences of COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological modification of ACE-2 expression is a potential therapeutic strategy against severe COVID-19.
- Further research into ACE-2 modulation is warranted to develop effective treatments.
- Understanding ACE-2's role is crucial for combating SARS-CoV-2-induced lung injury.
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