SARS-CoV-2 Infects Leydig Cells and Disrupts Testosterone Production by Hijacking Cholesterol

A recent study has revealed that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, infects testicular cells and utilizes their cellular machinery to replicate. Researchers found that the virus targets Leydig cells, which are responsible for producing testosterone, and exploits their metabolic pathways as well as cholesterol—a key precursor in testosterone production—to facilitate its replication process. The findings also indicate that this interaction alters lipid metabolism within these cells.

The study highlights how SARS-CoV-2 hijacks critical functions of testicular cells to sustain its formation. By appropriating cholesterol and disrupting lipid metabolism, the virus appears to manipulate essential processes involved in hormone production. These insights provide a deeper understanding of how the virus interacts with host cells beyond respiratory tissues, shedding light on potential implications for reproductive health and hormonal balance during infection.

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Source: GO-AI-ne1

Date: August 21, 2025

Author

Mark Chiang