Breadcrumb . Diseases & Conditions Coronaviruses Basic and Preclinical Coronavirus Research . The initial research response to the COVID-19 pandemic enabled the rapid identification of the human cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2, known as ACE-2) and the characterization of the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which sits on the surface of the virus and facilitates entry to human cells. NIAID-supported research helped quickly...