The role of soluble angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) in SARS-CoV-2 infection is not well understood. Here, authors show that membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) releases sACE2 to promote SARS-CoV-2 cell entry in vitro and in vivo, and the upregulation of MT1-MMP may contribute to increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in ageing.
- Xuanming Guo
- Jianli Cao
- Hoi Leong Xavier Wong