In addition, top upregulated genes in aged ACE2-positive endothelial cells included ceruloplasmin (CP), the increase of which is associated with age-related chronic degenerative diseases, and proposed as a prognostic marker for recurrent infections (Supplementary information, Fig. S7h).56,57 These data pinpoint an upregulation of ACE2 expression in aged primate vasculature, which may be associated with increased susceptibility of aged arteries to coronavirus infection. The gene discussed is CP; the disease is infection.