An ACE2, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding protein, -like enzyme isolated from food-related microorganisms.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a binding target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. An ACE2-like enzyme, such as bacterial M32-carboxypeptidase (M32-CAP), is assumed to be a potential therapeutic candidate for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we screened bacteria with an ACE2-like enzyme activity from Japanese fermented food and dietary products using the fluorogenic substrate for rapid screening.