Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for severe COVID-19

Lei Shi, Lifeng Wang, Ruonan Xu, Chao Zhang, Yunbo Xie, Kai Liu, Tiantian Li, Wei Hu, Cheng Zhen, Fu-Sheng Wang, Lei Shi, Lifeng Wang, Ruonan Xu, Chao Zhang, Yunbo Xie, Kai Liu, Tiantian Li, Wei Hu, Cheng Zhen, Fu-Sheng Wang

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has placed a global public burden on health authorities. Although the virological characteristics and pathogenesis of COVID-19 has been largely clarified, there is currently no specific therapeutic measure. In severe cases, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to immune disorders and damage to both the adaptive and innate immune responses. Having roles in immune regulation and regeneration, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) serving as a therapeutic option may regulate the over-activated inflammatory response and promote recovery of lung damage. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of MSC-therapy clinical trials has been conducted. The findings indicate that MSC treatment not only significantly reduces lung damage, but also improves patient recovery with safety and good immune tolerance. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in MSC therapy for COVID-19 and highlight the challenges in the field.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

© 2021. The Author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proposed mechanisms for MSC action in patients with severe COVID-19. At first, SARS-CoV-2 primarily occupies the respiratory tract including the lung; the infiltration of immune cells (neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, NK, CD4 + T, CD8 + T, Th17, and B cells) increases; then cytokine storms (including IFN-α, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) occur. Hyaline membrane formation, the release of cellular fibromyxoid exudates, and pneumocyte desquamation are also observed. After stem-cell infusion, the number of infiltrated immune cells decreases significantly, and the damaged lung tissue is repaired. MSCs play a role in regeneration and immune regulation, but the detailed mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be fully elucidated

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Source: PubMed

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