title: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 autoantibodies: further evidence for a role of the renin-angiotensin system in inflammation.
abstract: Traditionally viewed as important in the regulation of blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin system--and specifically the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-angiotensin (Ang) II-AT1 receptor axis--may play a prominent role to promote inflammation and fibrosis. ACE2, a new component of the renin-angiotensin system, has emerged as a key enzyme that selectively degrades Ang II and generates Ang-(1-7), a bioactive peptide with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. Takahashi and colleagues demonstrate circulating titers of inhibitory autoantibodies against ACE2 in patients with systemic sclerosis. The current study reveals a potentially novel mechanism to attenuate the catalytic activity of ACE2, thereby promoting the actions of Ang II.
authors.forename: Mark C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chappell
mesh_terms: D000803:Angiotensin I / Q000502:physiology; D000804:Angiotensin II / Q000502:physiology; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000502:physiology; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 / Q000502:physiology; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D044140:Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1; D000804:Angiotensin II; D000803:Angiotensin I; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; C000705307:ACE2 protein, human; D000085962:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; C118790:angiotensin I (1-7)