Abstract: This invention provides a monoclonal antibody that (i) specifically binds to the extracellular portion of human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2); (ii) specifically inhibits binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the extracellular portion of hACE2; and (iii) does not significantly inhibit the ability of hACE2 to cleave angiotensin II and/or a synthetic MCA-based peptide. This invention also provides related recombinant AAV vectors, recombinant AAV particles, compositions, prophylactic and therapeutic methods, and kits.