Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Potent Cell Source for COVID-19

Abstract

Coronaviruses are enveloped positive-stranded RNA viruses that cause mild to acute respiratory illness. Coronaviruses can merge envelope proteins with the host cell membranes and deliver their genetic material. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the seventh coronavirus closest to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in bats that infects humans. COVID-19 attacks the respiratory system and stimulates the host inflammatory responses, promotes the recruitment of immune cells, and enhances angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activities. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 have experienced fever, dry cough, headache, dyspnea, acute kidney injury (AKI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute heart injury. Several strategies such as oxygen therapy, ventilation, antibiotic or antiviral therapy, and renal replacement therapy are commonly used to decrease COVID-19-associated mortality. Inflammation is a common and important factor in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In recent years, stem cell-based therapies represent a promising therapeutic option against various diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can self-renew and differentiate into various tissues of mesodermal origin. MSCs can be derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. MSCs, with their unique immunomodulatory properties, represent a promising therapeutic alternative against diseases associated with inflammation. Several previous studies have shown that MSCs with a strong safety profile can improve the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The information in this review provides a summary of the prevention and diagnosis of COVID-19. Also, we focus on the current clinical application of MSCs for treatments of patients with COVID-19.