Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Exposure Induces Inflammation and Impairs Reproductive Outcomes in Mice

COVID-19 has been associated with reproductive dysfunction, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (iSARS-CoV-2) exposure on reproductive outcomes in K18-hACE2 mice. Pregnant females exposed during early gestation showed reduced fetal number, increased resorptions and decreased placental efficiency. These alterations were associated with pulmonary inflammation, characterized by elevated TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels and histopathological damage. In males, exposure impaired the sperm count, motility and reproductive performance, and negatively affected pregnancy outcomes in untreated females. Notably, inflammatory responses occurred in the absence of viral replication, indicating that viral components can trigger systemic effects. Together, these findings demonstrate that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammation that compromises fertility and gestational success in both sexes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Viruses
Published
2026-10-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/v18101112
Primary Topic
COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction
Type
article
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article

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Exposure Induces Inflammation and Impairs Reproductive Outcomes in Mice

Jordana Grazziela Alves Coelho-dos-Reis, Patrícia Ribeiro de Carvalho França, João Pedro Barros Paiva, Alan Silva Minho et al.
Viruses
COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction
article

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Exposure Induces Inflammation and Impairs Reproductive Outcomes in Mice

Jordana Grazziela Alves Coelho-dos-Reis, Patrícia Ribeiro de Carvalho França, João Pedro Barros Paiva, Alan Silva Minho, Renato Sampaio Carvalho, Patrícia Dias Fernandes, Marcel Frajblat, Luiz Ricardo Berbert, Maria Marta Figueiredo, Rosângela Ribeiro de Carvalho, Daisymara Priscila de Almeida Marques, Amanda Gabriel Valente
article en

Abstract

COVID-19 has been associated with reproductive dysfunction, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (iSARS-CoV-2) exposure on reproductive outcomes in K18-hACE2 mice. Pregnant females exposed during early gestation showed reduced fetal number, increased resorptions and decreased placental efficiency. These alterations were associated with pulmonary inflammation, characterized by elevated TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels and histopathological damage. In males, exposure impaired the sperm count, motility and reproductive performance, and negatively affected pregnancy outcomes in untreated females. Notably, inflammatory responses occurred in the absence of viral replication, indicating that viral components can trigger systemic effects. Together, these findings demonstrate that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammation that compromises fertility and gestational success in both sexes.

VirusesVol. 18(10)
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (BR), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (BR), Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais (BR), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (BR), Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública (BR), Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (BR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction
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