Acute Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Pregnancy Is Associated with Placental Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Shedding

Although human placental tissues may be infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the rate of fetal transmission is low, suggesting either viral neutralization or a barrier at the maternal-fetal interface. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2, the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is expressed as cell surface and soluble forms regulated by a metalloprotease cleavage enzyme, a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17 (ADAM17). ACE2 is expressed in the human placenta, but the regulation of placental ACE2 expression in relation to timing of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy is not well understood.
Source: American Journal of Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Short communication Source Type: research