SARS-CoV-2 and the next generations: which impact on reproductive tissues?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Virology
• Genomics

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, primarily affects the respiratory system.
• Emerging evidence suggests potential involvement of the urogenital tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression patterns of host molecules in the human female and male reproductive systems.
• To assess the potential for SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication in reproductive tissues.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of gene expression data from online repositories (Human Protein Atlas, GTEx, FANTOM5).
• Identification of co-expression of viral entry receptors (ACE2) and proteases (TMPRSS) in reproductive tissues.

Main Results:

• Male reproductive tissues, particularly the testis, show co-expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS, key molecules for SARS-CoV-2 entry.
• These findings suggest that the male reproductive system could be a target for SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection may have implications for male fertility.
• Potential infectivity in reproductive tissues warrants consideration in reproductive medicine and assisted reproductive technologies.