Abstract
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) is cell surface receptor
responsible for SARS-CoV-2 entry highly expressed in maternal-fetal
interface including placenta cells e.g. stromal cells, prevascular cells
of deciduas, cytotrophoblast, syncytotrophoblast. Several studies
reported lack of transplacental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from a
COVID-19 positive mother to fetus suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 may not
be transmitted from mother to her child due to some placenta barriers
but may be replicating inside the placenta. Our earlier studies
demonstrated that human placenta organ culture supports the replication
of Japanese Encephalitis(JE) virus indicating their susceptibility and
possibility to support propagation of other viruses. Based on our
previous experience and present work, we propose that human Placental
organ culture will be an ideal in vitro model for propagation of
COVID-19 as it has the requisite receptors and tissue architecture
needed for virus replication and vaccine development.