Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); a worldwide pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). SARS-CoV-2 appears to infect cells by first binding and priming its viral-spike proteins with membrane-associated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Through the coordinated actions of ACE2 and TMPRSS2, SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins fuse with plasma membranes and ultimately the virus enters cells. ACE2 is integral to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and SARS-CoV-2 down-regulates protein expression levels of ACE2. Once infected, patients typically develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and a number of other severe complications that result in a high rate of fatality, especially in older (>60 years) adults and in people with pre-existing medical conditions. Data now indicate clearly that among people of all age groups, COVID-19 fatalities are higher in men than women. Here, attention is focused on these sex differences and posit a role of estrogen in these differences as well as possible therapeutic and protective actions of 17β-estradiol against COVID-19.
【저자키워드】 TMPRSS2, 【초록키워드】 COVID-19, coronavirus disease, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, ARDS, protease, virus, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, Protein, cells, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, therapeutic, Patient, RAAS, WHO, women, Sex difference, Protective, binding, acute respiratory distress, fatality, Medical conditions, World Health Organization, Older, worldwide pandemic, all age groups, syndrome, protein expression, transmembrane, priming, plasma membrane, 17β-estradiol, serine 2, men, develop, appear, cause, severe complication, down-regulate, infect cell, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19, protective role, 17β-estradiol,