Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an 805 amino acid protein encoded by the ACE2 gene expressed in various human cells, especially in those located in the epithelia. The primary function of ACE2 is to produce angiotensin (1–7) from angiotensin II (Ang II). The current research has described the importance of ACE2 and Ang (1–7) in alternative routes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that promote the downregulation of fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress processes in a great variety of diseases, such as hypertension, acute lung injury, liver cirrhosis, and kidney abnormalities. Investigations into the recent outbreak of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have revealed the importance of ACE2 during infection and its role in recognizing viral binding proteins through interactions with specific amino acids of this enzyme. Additionally, the ACE2 expression in several organs has allowed us to understand the clinical picture related to the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to provide context for the functions and importance of ACE2 with regards to SARS-CoV-2 in the general clinical aspect and its impact on other diseases, especially respiratory diseases.
【저자키워드】 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin, 【초록키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, Inflammation, ACE2, coronavirus, Diseases, Infection, fibrosis, oxidative stress, hypertension, respiratory diseases, RAS, acute lung injury, kidney, renin-angiotensin system, Protein, outbreak, clinical picture, Research, Ang II, ACE2 expression, function, binding, Amino acid, investigation, Interaction, Liver cirrhosis, ACE2 gene, acute respiratory syndrome, other diseases, enzyme, human cells, Abnormalities, downregulation, organ, epithelia, alternative route, described, caused, variety, expressed, promote, recognizing, 【제목키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, coronavirus 2, respiratory, Context, Importance,