What's the link between ACE2 and Covid?

A comprehensive guide to the pharmacologic regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor.

so basically…

In the search for treatments for Covid-19, many researchers are focusing their attention on a specific protein that allows the virus to infect human cells.

Research has shown that the virus causing Covid enters the body through a protein called angiotensin converting enzyme 2 – or ACE2.

Every single person has ACE2, mostly in the lungs, small intestine and nostrils, but some people have more or less, sometimes because of the medications they’re on.

The Covid virus attaches to these proteins and piggybacks its way into a host cell.

Some medications have been reported to increase the amount of ACE2 in the body, with some concerns raised about their safety in patients exposed to Covid-19.

The more ACE2, the theory goes, the more opportunity the Covid virus has to get into you.

However, this research shows that using these meds does not increase risk of contracting Covid, BUT since ACE2 also counteracts some of the harmful effects of inflammation in places like the lungs, having these proteins full of Covid could mean they can’t do their job in the body properly and protect you.

So, basically: more ACE2 doesn’t mean you’re more likely to get Covid, but it could mean you experience worse symptoms if you do get it.

Interested? Read more here.