SARS-CoV-2 can infect human embryos Journal Article
| Authors: | Montano, M.; Victor, A. R.; Griffin, D. K.; Duong, T.; Bolduc, N.; Farmer, A.; Garg, V.; Hadjantonakis, A. K.; Coates, A.; Barnes, F. L.; Zouves, C. G.; Greene, W. C.; Viotti, M. |
| Article Title: | SARS-CoV-2 can infect human embryos |
| Abstract: | The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a devastating pandemic, with infections resulting in a range of symptoms collectively known as COVID-19. The full repertoire of human tissues and organs susceptible to infection is an area of active investigation, and some studies have implicated the reproductive system. The effects of COVID-19 on human reproduction remain poorly understood, and particularly the impact on early embryogenesis and establishment of a pregnancy are not known. In this work, we explore the susceptibility of early human embryos to SARS-CoV-2 infection. By using RNA-seq and immunofluorescence, we note that ACE2 and TMPRSS2, two canonical cell entry factors for SARS-CoV-2, are co-expressed in cells of the trophectoderm in blastocyst-stage preimplantation embryos. For the purpose of viral entry studies, we used fluorescent reporter virions pseudotyped with Spike (S) glycoprotein from SARS-CoV-2, and we observe robust infection of trophectoderm cells. This permissiveness could be attenuated with blocking antibodies targeting S or ACE2. When exposing human blastocysts to the 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. © 2022, The Author(s). |
| Keywords: | genetics; pandemic; dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase; humans; human; peptidyl-dipeptidase a; pandemics; covid-19; sars-cov-2; angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; coronavirus spike glycoprotein; spike protein, sars-cov-2; spike glycoprotein, coronavirus |
| Journal Title: | Scientific Reports |
| Volume: | 12 |
| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |
| Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
| Date Published: | 2022-09-14 |
| Start Page: | 15451 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1038/s41598-022-18906-1 |
| PUBMED: | 36104397 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC9472724 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 3 October 2022 -- Source: Scopus |
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