Figure 1.

(A) The effects of angiotensin peptides on proliferation, angiogenesis, vasoconstriction, inflammation and fibrosis. Note the effects of Angiotensin II via the Angiotensin II type I receptor (AT₁R) are blocked by its interaction with the Angiotensin II type II receptor (AT₂R) and by its metabolism to Ang–(1-7) acting via the Mas receptor (MasR). (B) SARS-CoV-2, by inhibiting ACE2, blocks the metabolism of Angiotensin II to Ang–(1-7) so blocking the anti-inflammatory pathway and causing high levels of Angiotensin II. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) prevent the formation of Angiotensin II and angiotensin receptor blocking drugs (ARBs) prevent Angiotensin II from causing inflammation and fibrosis.