Therapeutic approaches on the interaction between SARS-CoV2 and ACE2: a biochemical perspective

The current conditions in the progression of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic changed the current scientific paradigm, and we now observe a novel rhythm and way of evaluating the collected information. Previous experiences in epidemics with similar viruses (viz., SARS-CoV1, and MERS-CoV) and collected information about the viral transmission and replication can be used to overcome the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Although SARS-CoV2 emerged very recently, there are plenty of scientific studies about similar viruses to comment on the current situation. Inhibition of SARS-CoV2 spike protein activation, inhibition of virus endocytosis, using a soluble form of ACE2, peptide or non-peptide analogs of ACE2, and sustaining ACE2/Angiotensin-(1–7)/Mas receptor pathway activation can be proposed for use in therapeutic studies. In this review, the biochemical mechanism of SARS-CoV2 and ACE2 binding, virus-cell membrane fusion, and endocytosis of virus to host cells are discussed according to the currently available literature. The significant contribution of this review may be to provide useful information to researchers into the SARS-CoV2 outbreak.