Targeting ACE2 Receptors to prevent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus from Attacking Human cells

The Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 attacks human cells to reproduce.

ACE2 is a membrane protein with an enzymatic domain located on the outer surface of human cells and is the primary target and receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

While many treatments and cures are seeking to address the virus itself, some researchers are intent on finding ways to exploit the ACE2 and prevent the spread of Coronavirus. ACE2 plays a crucial role in host cell invasion by SARS-CoV-2 and efforts are underway to develop drugs that can block its function in this capacity.

To date, no small-molecule drug has been approved via drug repurposing for this application. New biologic drugs have been developed recently that may achieve the goal of keeping the virus from connecting with the ACE2 receptor, preventing infection.

Human recombinant soluble ACE2 (hrsACE2) shows some promise as it connects with the spike proteins surrounding SARS-CoV-2, making it more difficult to connect with human cells.

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