SARS-CoV-2 host receptors ACE2 and CD147 (BSG) are present on human oocytes and blastocysts

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2020 Nov;37(11):2657-2660. doi: 10.1007/s10815-020-01952-x. Epub 2020 Sep 21.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: ACE2; BSG (CD147); Human blastocyst; Human oocyte; SARS-Cov-2.

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
  • Basigin / metabolism*
  • Blastocyst / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Oocytes / metabolism*
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism*

Substances

  • Basigin
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2