The Role of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 in Modulating Gut Microbiota, Intestinal Inflammation, and Coronavirus Infection

The role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 has expanded from regulating the renin angiotensin system to regulating intestinal amino acid homeostasis and the gut microbiome. Recently, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 was identified as a primary receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 1 and 2 being expressed in multiple tissues including the luminal surface of the gut. In this brief perspective, we examine the role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the impact of coronavirus disease 19 infection on the gut microbiome and on the gut epithelium.

Automated summary

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 plays a role not only in regulating the renin angiotensin system, but also in maintaining amino acid balance in the intestine and stability of the gut microbiome. Research explores the role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and the impact of coronavirus disease 19 infection on the gut microbiome and gut epithelium.