Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, binding of the viral spike glycoprotein to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) promotes cellular entry, with different proteolytic reactions mediated by transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and co-receptors required for efficient virion infection.15,16 Infection-mediated disruption of the epithelial barrier allows the virus to infect the vessel wall, with the efficiency of infection being regulated by ACE2 and its co-receptors expression. Here, ACE2 is linked to infection.