Angiotensin I and II stimulated SARS-CoV-2 cell invasion, revealing that the body's own peptide hormones can facilitate viral entry through the ACE2 receptor pathway.
Peptides help virusThe body's own angiotensin peptides stimulate SARS-CoV-2 cell invasion through the ACE2 receptor pathway
What the researchers found
Both angiotensin I and angiotensin II stimulated SARS-CoV-2 cell invasion, suggesting endogenous peptide hormones can facilitate viral entry via the ACE2 pathway.
Why it matters
Understanding why cardiovascular patients fare worse with COVID-19 has been a major question. This study shows that elevated angiotensin levels — common in hypertension — may directly help the virus enter cells.
The numbers in context
Low and moderate concentrations of Ang I and Ang II stimulated pseudovirus entry into both HEK-ACE2 and Vero E6 cells.
How the study worked
Cell-based viral invasion assays testing the effect of angiotensin I and II on SARS-CoV-2 entry. Assessed ACE2 pathway involvement and potential mechanisms.
Who was studied
HEK-ACE2 and Vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in presence of angiotensin peptides
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro cell study. Angiotensin levels in patients are influenced by many factors. The clinical significance of this mechanism relative to other COVID risk factors is unclear.
How to read the evidence
Preliminary evidence: in vitro cell study demonstrating a potential mechanism. Clinical significance needs confirmation in patient studies.
When this study was published
Published in 2024. Contributes to ongoing understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and peptide biology.
The bigger picture
The intersection of the renin-angiotensin peptide system with viral pathology reveals how the body's own hormones can become liabilities during infection. This has implications for understanding viral susceptibility in people taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs for blood pressure.
Questions still open
- Do ACE inhibitors or ARBs affect COVID-19 outcomes through modified angiotensin levels?
- Could blocking angiotensin production reduce SARS-CoV-2 cell invasion?
- Does this mechanism apply to other coronaviruses using ACE2?
Common questions
Do blood pressure peptides make COVID-19 worse?
Should I stop blood pressure medication to prevent COVID?
Read the original research
Angiotensin I and II Stimulate Cell Invasion of SARS-CoV-2: Potential Mechanism via Inhibition of ACE2 Arm of RAS.
Physiological research, 73(1), 27-35
Citation
Zorad, S; Skrabanova, M; Zilkova, M; Cente, M; Turic Csokova, N; Kovacech, B; Cizkova, D; Filipcik, P. (2024). Angiotensin I and II Stimulate Cell Invasion of SARS-CoV-2: Potential Mechanism via Inhibition of ACE2 Arm of RAS.. Physiological research, 73(1), 27-35.