Fig. 1.

A, The illustration of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor. SARS-CoV-2 S protein bind to ACE2 receptor, S1 subunit binds to host cell, and S2 subunit triggers fusion of the viral envelope and target cell. B, The transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2 and impact of male genital organ infection. Several organs (lung, heart, kidney, ovaries, and testis) and male genital cells (Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatocytes) with ACE2 receptor could be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Virus attacks cause dysfunction of these organs, such as lung injury, heart failure, kidney injury, and male infertility. The damage of Leydig cells caused by virus infection may results in the increased level of LH from the pituitary gland (dotted line), which could stimulate Leydig cell consequently (solid line). ACE2 = angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; LH = luteinizing hormone; S protein = Spike protein; SARS-CoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.