Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Protocol for Human Blastoids Modeling Blastocyst Development and Implantation
Published on: August 10, 2022
SARS-CoV-2 host receptors ACE2 and CD147 (BSG) are present on human oocytes and blastocysts
Wafaa Essahib1, Greta Verheyen2, Herman Tournaye2
1Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.
Purpose:
To visualize SARS-CoV-2 host receptors ACE2 and CD147 on human oocytes and blastocysts.
Methods:
Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy on human primary oocytes and pre (5 days post fertilization (dpf5) and (dpf6))- and peri (dpf7)-implantation blastocysts donated to research.
Results:
SARS-CoV-2 host receptors ACE2 and CD147 are present on the membrane of trophectoderm, epiblast and hypoblast cells in human blastocysts. CD147 is also present on the oolemma.
Conclusion:
Theoretically, the earliest stages of embryonic development may be vulnerable for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
