The ACE2 COVID-19 target in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins target the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors localized mainly in the lungs. Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 also targets the CNS neurons and glial cells, triggering a cytokine immune-inflammatory response, compromising the blood-brain barrier, and ultimately causing neuronal death [1,2]. Thus, neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are a particular comorbidity for COVID-19.