ACE2 is abundantly expressed in gastrointestinal system, kidney, testis and heart.
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The expression of ACE2 is upregulated in smokers, but not affected by sex and age.
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Amino acids that form polar contacts between ACE2 and RBD are essential for binding.
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Variants may change binding ability to ACE2 and cause cross‐species transmission.
Abstract
Since the outbreak at the end of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading around the world for more than one year. Scientists have been intensely conducting research on this newly emerged coronavirus and the disease caused by it. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as a receptor mediating the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2, has become a hot spot for researchers. Here, we summarized the recent progresses on the function, expression and distribution characteristics of ACE2 in human body and among populations. We further discussed the interaction mechanism of ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 S protein, focusing on key residues that effect interaction and binding ability of SARS-CoV-2 variants. This will facilitate researchers to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission route, adaptation mechanism, and designing treatment strategies.
