Investigate Oral Zinc as a Prophylactic Treatment for Those at Risk for COVID-19

A very recent report identified the interaction between the receptor-binding domain of the spike glycoprotein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-2 and the peptidase domain of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as critical for viral entry into host cells.1 Because of the strong link between ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 infection, inhibitors of ACE2 have been discussed as potential therapeutic agents against COVID-19.2,3 We believe there already might be a safe, potential inhibitor of ACE2 function that could constrain the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells—and that is the trace mineral zinc. Research at that time identified interaction between the S protein of SARS-CoV and ACE2 as a mechanism of viral infection.4 ACE2 is a type I integral membrane protein characterized by the HEXXH + E zinc-binding domain and is found on the surface of epithelial cells of the heart, lung, kidney, and intestine. In view of the serious, life-threatening circumstances of this pandemic, we believe there is potential benefit in taking oral zinc for those at risk of developing COVID-19. [...]shorter open-label retrospective studies should be quickly completed.