CTB-ACE2

CTB-ACE2 is a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the catalytic subunit of human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) fused to the non-toxic B subunit of cholera toxin (CTB). Primarily developed by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, the drug is designed for oral or mucosal delivery, utilizing the CTB moiety to bind to GM1 ganglioside receptors on epithelial cells, which facilitates the uptake of the ACE2 enzyme. In the context of COVID-19, CTB-ACE2 is formulated into a chewing gum that acts as a "viral trap," where the ACE2 component binds to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the oral cavity, thereby debulking the virus and reducing infection and transmission. Additionally, CTB-ACE2 maintains its enzymatic function, converting the pro-inflammatory Angiotensin II into the vasoprotective Angiotensin 1-7. This enzymatic activity makes it a potential therapeutic for conditions driven by renin-angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), hypertension, and diabetic complications. The protein is typically produced using plant-based expression systems, such as lettuce chloroplasts, which enables cost-effective production and oral administration through bioencapsulation.

Other names

Cholera toxin B-Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 fusion proteinACE2-CTBACE-2-CTBACE 2-CTBACE2 chewing gumACE-2 chewing gumACE 2 chewing gumRecombinant human ACE2 catalytic subunit-cholera toxin B subunit hybrid