Interestingly, once released, the ectodomain of ACE2 keeps the catalytic activity which is able to cleave circulating vasoactive peptides [7,11] and, in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, might also significantly influence viral spread and pathogenesis, either by limiting new viral infections acting as a soluble decoy or, alternatively, limiting local inflammation due to its tissue protective function. This evidence concerns the gene ACE2 and viral infectious disease.