A Narrative Review on the Management of Severe COVID-19 Infection Using Stem Cell-based therapies with a Focus on the Registered Clinical Trials

Abstract

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to a concerning global pandemic. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms may be enhanced due to underlying medical conditions. Several studies demonstrated severe COVID-19 infection can lead to innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, cytokine storms as well and the formation of fibromyxoid exudate in the respiratory alveolar, ultimately resulting in pulmonary fibrosis and ARDS as the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Currently, there is a widespread global endeavor in finding efficient drugs or vaccines to manage COVID-19. Although some FDA-approved treatments have been introduced for COVID-19, alternative therapies might decrease the mortality rates. Various sources of pluripotent and mesenchymal stem cells as cell-based therapies have been applied on moderate to severe COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to positive results. Cell-based therapies by modulating the cytokine cascades and cellular apoptosis can probably inhibit tissue remodeling and subsequent end-organ damage. The present review aims to discuss the advantages of stem cell-based therapies in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and the possible challenges associated with their application.