Unraveling the Role of ACE2, the Binding Receptor for SARS-CoV-2, in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Ferreira Duarte, M (Author) Other; Estevinho, MM (Author) Other; Margarida Araújo (Author) ICBAS; Magro F (Author) FMUP; Morato, M (Author) FFUP

Journal

Title: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Vol. 26

Pages: 1787-1795

ISSN: 1078-0998

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citations

Scopus - 14 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-XGK

DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa249

Abstract (EN): Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been highlighted for its role as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes current knowledge about ACE2 as a multifunctional protein, focusing on its relevance in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As an enzyme, ACE2 may be protective in IBD because it favors the counter-regulatory arm of the renin-angiotensin system or deleterious because it metabolizes other anti-inflammatory/repairing elements. Meanwhile, as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, the impact of ACE2 expression/activity on infection is still under debate because no direct evidence has been reported and, again, both protective and deleterious pathways are possible. Research has shown that ACE2 regulates the expression of the neutral amino acid transporter B(0)AT1, controlling tryptophan-associated intestinal inflammation and nutritional status. Finally, intact membrane-bound or shed soluble ACE2 can also trigger integrin signaling, modulating the response to anti-integrin biologic drugs used to treat IBD (such as vedolizumab) and fibrosis, a long-term complication of IBD. As such, future studies on ACE2 expression/activity in IBD can improve monitoring of the disease and explore an alternative pharmacological target.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9