Abstract
We investigated potential SARS-CoV-2 tropism in human endometrium by single-cell RNA-sequencing of viral entry-associated genes in healthy women. Percentages of endometrial cells expressing ACE2, TMPRSS2, CTSB, or CTSL were <2%, 12%, 80%, and 80%, respectively, with 0.7% of cells expressing all four genes. Our findings imply low efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the endometrium before embryo implantation, providing information to assess preconception risk in asymptomatic carriers.
Competing Interest Statement
A patent disclosure has been filed for the study under the inventors S.R.Q., C.S., W.W. and F.V. C.S. is Founder and Head of the Scientific Advisory Board of Igenomix SL. I.M. is partially employed by Igenomix S.L
Copyright
The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.
Posted September 14, 2020.
Single-cell RNA Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry Factors in Human Endometrium during Preconception
