Research progress in role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to severe acute respiratory system diseases, and its clinical manifestations and pulmonary pathological features are similar to those of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 was previously identified as a functional receptor for the SARS Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), but it was recently discovered that SARS-CoV-2 could also bind to ACE2 on the cell surface to infect cells, causing cytopathic and tissue immune damage. Human ACE2, a homologous of human ACE, is a new type of metallocarboxypeptidase, with many properties distinct from ACE. ACE2 plays a unique role in the renin-angiotensin system and is involved in maintaining normal lung function. Currently, no definite and effective treatment scheme has been found for patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ACE2, as a key factor in the pathological pathway of COVID-19, is of great significance in the clinical treatment of and drug development against COVID-19. © 2020 Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. All rights reserved.