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The big challenge of SARS-CoV-2 latency: testes as reservoir
Ricardo López-Romero1, María de Jesús Nambo-Lucio1, Emmanuel Salcedo-Carrillo1
1Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Hospital de Oncología, Ciudad de México, México.
Abstract:
In the efforts to explain COVID-19 pathophysiology, studies are being carried out on the correspondence between the expression of SARS-CoV-2 cell receptors and viral sequences. ACE2, CD147 and TMPRSS2 receptors expression could indicate poorly explored potential infection targets. For the genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 receptors, using BioGPS information was decided, which is a portal that centralizes genetic annotation resources, in combination with that of The Human Protein Atlas, the largest portal of human transcriptome and proteome data. We also reviewed the most recent articles on the subject. RNA and viral receptor proteins expression was observed in numerous anatomical sites, which partially coincides with the information reported in the literature. High expression in testicular cells markedly stood out, and it would be therefore important ruling out whether this anatomical site is a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir; otherwise, germ cell damage, as it is observed in infections with other RNA viruses, should be determined.
Insights
This study explores SARS-CoV-2 receptors, finding expression in many tissues, notably testicular cells. Further research is needed to determine if the testes are a viral reservoir or if germ cells are damaged.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Understanding COVID-19 pathophysiology involves analyzing SARS-CoV-2 cell receptor expression.
- ACE2, CD147, and TMPRSS2 receptors are potential, under-explored targets for viral infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 cell receptors across various human anatomical sites.
- To identify potential reservoirs or sites of damage for SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 receptors using BioGPS and The Human Protein Atlas.
- Review of recent scientific literature on viral receptor expression.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA and receptor protein expression was detected in multiple anatomical locations.
- Significantly high expression was observed in testicular cells, warranting further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Testicular cells may represent a potential reservoir for SARS-CoV-2.
- The possibility of germ cell damage, similar to other RNA virus infections, needs to be determined.
