The renin-angiotensin system and specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a potential therapeutic target in SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol
; 394(7): 1589-1593, 2021 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1274804
ABSTRACT
In March 2019, the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus began. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in November 19 in Wuhan, China. Preventive measures taken have not prevented the rapid spread of the virus to countries around the world. To date, there are approximately 3 million deaths, and a massive worldwide vaccination campaign has recently begun. SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE-2 protein as an intracellular carrier. ACE-2 is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), a key regulator of cardiovascular function. Considering the key role of ACE-2 in COVID-19 infection, both as an entry receptor and as a protective role, especially for the respiratory tract, and considering the variations of ACE-2 during the phases of viral infection, it is clear the important role that pharmacological regulation of RAS and ACE-2 may take. In this article, we describe the importance of ACE-2 in COVID-19 infection, the pharmacological aspects of a modulation with RAS-modifying agents, new therapeutic strategies, trying to provide a deep understanding and explanation of the complex mechanisms underlying the relationship between the virus and ACE-2, providing opinions and personal hypotheses on the best strategies of therapeutic intervention.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Antiviral Agents
/
Renin-Angiotensin System
/
Virus Internalization
/
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S00210-021-02108-z
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