ACE2 receptor

The ACE2 receptor is a protein found on the surface of many cells in the body, including those in the lungs, heart, and intestines. It acts like a entry point that certain viruses, including the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19), use to enter and infect cells. The virus's spike proteins bind to the ACE2 receptor, allowing it to gain access and reproduce. Besides its role in viral infections, ACE2 also helps regulate blood pressure and inflammation. Understanding ACE2 is important for developing treatments and vaccines for diseases like COVID-19.