A Dual-Receptor Mechanism Between Integrins and ACE2 Widens SARS-CoV-2 Tissue Tropism

In addition to the ACE2 receptor, SARS-CoV-2 binds to integrins to gain host cell entry and trigger pro-inflammatory integrin-mediated signalling cascades. Integrins, therefore, are likely candidates for a dual-receptor mechanism with ACE2 to explain the increased infectivity seen in SARS-CoV-2 models. As integrins are primarily expressed in vasculature and persistent vasculopathy is seen in COVID-19, examining the role of endothelial integrin involvement is crucial in uncovering the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2.### Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.