Potential Role of ACE2 Inhibition in COVID-19 Severity

In addition to being the entry point for SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 may play a role in the disease progression of severe COVID-19 cases. The five pre-existing conditions that currently lead to the highest COVID-19 mortality rates have also been linked to altered ACE2 activity and the related renin-angiotensin system. Since there are multiple ways in which SARS-CoV-2 could be inhibiting ACE2, it is very possible that ACE2 inhibition is the reason for this connection. Due to the connection between ARDS, a common cause of death in COVID-19 patients, and ACE2, it is also possible that this can lead to COVID-19 severity in some cases.