Maternal acute SARS-CoV-2 infection impairs preimplantation embryo development and reprograms early offspring hematopoietic system

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on reproductive health, particularly in the context of assisted reproductive technology (ART). This study investigates the effects of maternal acute SARS-CoV-2 infection on preimplantation embryo development and early offspring hematopoietic system. We analyzed embryo development and neonatal immune responses in women undergoing ART during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings reveal that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly impairs blastocyst formation and quality, with molecular evidence of developmental delay in embryos. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of blastocysts and umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells demonstrated dysregulated mitochondrial function, impaired mTORC1 signaling, and altered immune responses in neonates from infected mothers. Additionally, DNA methylation analysis revealed hypermethylation of immune-related genes in embryos from infected mothers. These results highlight the potential long-term impacts of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on embryonic development and offspring immune health, emphasizing the need for further research to balance patient safety and reproductive outcomes during the pandemic.