Advances in research on ACE2 as a receptor for 2019-nCoV

Abstract

Currently, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, also called 2019-nCoV) has triggered pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), an acute infectious respiratory disease that first became epidemic in Wuhan (China) and is now spreading worldwide. Although 2019-nCoV and SARS-CoV are very similar viruses genomically and structurally, the huge number of severe cases and deaths now being caused by 2019-nCoV infections has understandably prompted intense research on the receptor used by it to enter human cells. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a functional receptor for SARS-CoV, now appears likely to mediate 2019-nCoV entry into human cells. In this review, we describe the roles performed by ACE2 as an enzymatic catalyst and as a receptor for this novel coronavirus. We also summarize the latest research pertaining to the changes noted in ACE2 expression after viral binding, and the relationships relating to virus transmission and population susceptibility to it. Lastly, we speculate on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and provide a useful reference for drug development against this aggressive virus.

COVID-19 and multiorgan failure: A narrative review on potential mechanisms

“…The mutation of SARS-CoV2 has enhanced the affinity of this virus to ACE2 in human and decreased in rodents (Yang et al 2020c). Both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2 use ACE2 as a receptor to invade the host cells (Wu et al 2020d). ACE2 is a type I transmembrane protein with 805 amino acids that generate angiotensin (Ang)-II, an important mediator of renin-Ang system (Verdecchia et al 2020).…”

Stem cell therapy in COVID-19: Pooled evidence from SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and ARDS: A systematic review

“…Similarly the entry mechanism of the viruses are similar i.e mediated by binding of the RBD to functional receptors on host cell surface where angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) is the primary and dominant host receptor but having higher affinity to SARS-CoV-2 than to SARS-CoV [ 6 ]. Again high homology was seen between different structural and non-structural proteins (nucleocapsid also between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) [ 7 ]…”

A rapid review of recent advances in diagnosis, treatment and vaccination for COVID-19

“…This virus's pathogenicity is mainly dependent on virus-host interaction between the virus S protein and host membrane receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) [3] . The SARS-CoV-2 binding affinity with ACE2 is higher than other CoV species, resulting in higher transmission, replication, and virulence rate [4] . These features have caused SARS-CoV-2 to emerge as a global pandemic, making vaccine research an integral part of disease containment [5] .…”