However, during SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infection, when receptor ACE2 is bound by the viral spike protein, ACE2 function is disrupted, leading to the activation of MAPKs, the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the pathogenesis of pneumonia or even ARDS [227–232]. This evidence concerns the gene ACE2 and acute respiratory distress syndrome.