Does the ACE2 protein explain covid-19 risk for underlying conditions?

Does a cell surface protein explain why the coronavirus is more likely to kill people with diabetes or heart disease? Researchers are trying to find out

By Jessica Hamzelou

Niad/National Institutes Of Health/Science Photo Library

DOES a protein on the surface of some of our cells explain why certain people are more at risk from covid-19?

Studies of confirmed cases so far show that people with coronary heart disease or diabetes are more likely to die than other people if they catch the coronavirus. Individuals with lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and smokers are also at greater risk, says Janice Leung at the University of British Columbia in Canada.

As we begin to …