Part:BBa_K3653009

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an enzyme that is attached to the cell membranes of cells in the lungs, arteries, heart, kidneys, and intestines. It is a peptide hormone with a primary physiological role in the process of maturation of angiotensin, it controls vasoconstriction and blood pressure.

ACE2 is also the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The RBD of the S protein is recognized by the extracellular peptidase domain (PD) of ACE2 mainly through polar residues. Thus, the enzyme is “hijacked” by some coronaviruses and sets the path that allows the infection of human host cells.