The main target of SARS-CoV-2 is respiratory system. Other systems can also be affected including cardiovascular and renal. Su et al. (1) demonstrated corona virus-like particles in autopsy kidneys (proximal & distal tubular cells, visceral epithelial cells). They also showed positive immunostaining for SARS-CoV antigen in tubular cells. Enhanced ACE2 staining was seen in injured tubular cells. Positive ACE2 in parietal and visceral epithelial cells is identified. Control kidney showed weaker ACE2 expression in tubular cells without staining in parietal & visceral epithelial cells. The conclusion is SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect kidney parenchyma via available ACE2 receptor.
However, corona virus-like particles may not be true SARS-CoV-2. They may be normal ultrastructures commonly found in proximal tubular cells and visceral epithelial cells (2).
(1) https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.kint.2020.04.003
(2) https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.kint.2020.05.012
