Allosteric Site of ACE-2 as a Drug Target for COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a significant impact on healthcare systems and our lives. Vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) provide protection against SARS-CoV-2. However, mutations in the viral genome are common, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) as a gateway to enter host cells. Therefore, the ACE-2-RBD interaction may be targeted by antiviral drugs. In this context, allosteric modulation of ACE-2 may offer a promising approach. It may lead to allosteric inhibition of the interaction between ACE-2 and SARS-CoV-2.