Ace2 Receptor on Oral Mucosa: The Doorway to Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 infectious disease is caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This hitherto unknown virus and disease outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 pandemic has affected many countries globally. This infection has caused myriad deaths on daily basis. Therapeutic options are currently limited. It has been revealed that COVID19 binds to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter the host cells. ACE2, which was discovered in 2000 and is virtually presents in all tissues with relatively higher expression in respiratory epithelial cells, alveolar cells type I and II, oral cavity, kidney, testis, and intestines. Targeting ACE2 receptors may open a new potential therapeutic window for the treatment of COVID-19 before patients enter the irreversible stages.