TABLE 3.

Summary of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system interplay with lung injury and disease

SARS-CoV decreases surface expression of ACE2 during infection

Decreased ACE2 activity leads to increased Ang II and further downregulation of ACE2 in a vicious cycle, driving acute lung injury

While the main point of entry involves ACE2, other receptors can independently mediate SARS-CoV infection

ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme; Ang II: angiotensin II.