Vulnerability of human preimplantation embryos to SARSCoV-2 infection
Human Reproduction
; 37:i29, 2022.
Article
in English
| EMBASE | ID: covidwho-2008565
ABSTRACT
Presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has been reported in numerous organs and tissues of infected patients, including the reproductive system. The effects of COVID-19 on human reproduction remain poorly understood. While cases of intrauterine transmission between expectant mother and fetus have been documented, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on early embryogenesis and establishment of a pregnancy are not known. This prompted us to ask if SARS-CoV-2 can infect embryos, since such an event could impact embryo viability and affect a subsequent pregnancy. We used a three-pronged approach to investigate this possibility 1) Using RNA-seq and immunofluorescence, we learned that ACE2 and TMPRSS2, two factors required on target cells for SARS-CoV-2 entry, are coexpressed in cells of the trophectoderm in blastocyst-stage preimplantation embryos;2) Using fluorescent reporter virions pseudotyped with Spike (S) glycoprotein from SARS-CoV-2, we observed robust infection of trophectoderm cells, and this permissiveness could be attenuated with blocking antibodies targeting S or ACE2;and 3) Exposing human blastocysts to live, fully infectious SARS-CoV-2, we detected cases of infection that compromised embryo health. Therefore, we identify a new human target tissue for SARS-CoV-2 with potential medical implications for reproductive health during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
blocking antibody; endogenous compound; glycoprotein; transmembrane protease serine 2; blastocyst; conference abstract; controlled study; coronavirus disease 2019; embryo; female; human; human cell; human tissue; immunofluorescence; nonhuman; pandemic; pregnancy; preimplantation embryo; reproductive health; RNA sequencing; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; spike; target cell; target tissue; trophectoderm; virion; vulnerability
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
EMBASE
Language:
English
Journal:
Human Reproduction
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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