ACE-2 (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ACE2, hACE2, ACE-related carboxypeptidase, Angiotensin-converting enzyme homolog, ACEH, Metalloprotease MPROT15)

ACE-2 (Angiotensin converting enzyme 2) an enzyme bound to cell membranes in various organs such as intestines arteries , lungs, heart & kidney. ACE2 an entry receptor of SARS coronaviruses as well as SARS-CoV-2,.The coronavirus spike (S) glycoprotein is a class I viral fusion antigen located on the external envelope of the virion that takes part in a critical part in viral infection by identifying host cell receptors and facilitating fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. 2 main domains in coronavirus S1 have been recognized, the N-terminal domain and C-terminal domain. One or the other and/or both S1 domains function as a receptor-binding domain. SARS-CoV + MERS-CoV equally use C-domain to attach their receptors.ACE2 is a type I transmembrane antigen with an extracellular N-terminal domain having the catalytic site and an intracellular C-terminal tail. ACE2 obtains a signal peptide, a transmembrane domain, and a single metalloproteinase active site containing an HEXXH zinc-binding domain. ACE-2 plays a role as a mono-carboxypeptidase which degrades Ang I to produce the nonapeptide Ang 1–9 and Ang II to create the heptapeptide Ang 1–7.