SARS-CoV-2 binds cells expressing ACE2.21 Binding of the virus can down-regulate ACE2 intracellular pathways and mediate inflammation and oedema, contributing to respiratory failure.22 In theory, this could have a potential impact on patients taking ACE inhibitors (ACEi), resulting in greater risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection and increased severity of disease. The gene discussed is ACE2; the disease is respiratory failure.