We highlight the importance of the Ang II/AT1R/NOX1/2 axis-mediated ROS burst in the uncontrolled inflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein-induced ALI and suggest that rACE2 can be applied to the clinical treatment of COVID-19 alone or combined with other antiviral agents. Here, AGTR1 is linked to acute respiratory distress syndrome.