Is there a place for mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapies in the therapeutic armamentarium against COVID-19?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the rapid global spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has caused healthcare systems to collapse and led to hundreds of thousands of deaths. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 is not only limited to local pneumonia but also represents multiple organ involvement, with potential for systemic complications. One year after the pandemic, pathophysiological knowledge has evolved, and many therapeutic advances have occurred, but mortality rates are still elevated in severe/critical COVID-19 cases. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can exert immunomodulatory, antiviral, and pro-regenerative paracrine/endocrine actions and are therefore promising candidates for MSC-based therapies. In this review, we discuss the rationale for MSC-based therapies based on currently available preclinical and clinical evidence of safety, potential efficacy, and mechanisms of action. Finally, we present a critical analysis of the risks, limitations, challenges, and opportunities that place MSC-based products as a therapeutic strategy that may complement the current arsenal against COVID-19 and reduce the pandemic’s unmet medical needs.

Challenges and opportunities in shared care for international patients treated with cellular therapy for nonmalignant disease

“…Multiple trials are currently investigating the role of such therapies in nonmalignant conditions including infectious and noninfectious diseases. For instance, the use of mesenchymal stromal stem cells has been investigated in COVID-19 pandemic [20]. Many other applications are being investigated in HIV, lupus, myasthenia gravis, pemphigus vulgaris, and others [21].…”

Stem cell therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia

“…Since MSCs can contribute to enhanced performance, it must be stated [191][192][193][194][195][196]. If the results of preliminary investigations are verified in larger studies, mesenchymal stem cells may have a role in the therapy of illness by using derivatives of MSCs, such as medium or extracellular vesicles [197,198].…”

Application of exosomes for the alleviation of COVID‐19‐related pathologies

“…The emergence and prevalence of the COVID‐19 pandemic have challenged the healthcare community and led to serious socioeconomic impacts 1,2 . The cause of COVID‐19 is a virus from the Coronaviridae family namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) 3,4 . This virus harbors a single‐stranded positive‐sense RNA enclosed by nucleocapsid.…”

“… 1 , 2 The cause of COVID‐19 is a virus from the Coronaviridae family namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). 3 , 4 This virus harbors a single‐stranded positive‐sense RNA enclosed by nucleocapsid. An envelope with three structural proteins including membrane, spike (S), and envelope surrounds the nucleocapsid (Figure 1 ).…”