SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus that is the cause of COVID-19 pandemic. To enter the cell, the virus interacts via its surface S protein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the main entry receptor on the cell membrane. Most of protective antibodies, including those induced by vaccinations, target the S protein, preventing its interaction with the ACE2 receptor. We have evaluated an alternative strategy for blocking the S-ACE2 interaction using new antipeptide antibodies to the N-terminus of the ACE2 molecule. These antibodies allow detection of human ACE2 in vitro and ex vivo.
Keywords: COVID-19; peplomers; peptides; receptor.
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