Mesenchymal stem cell immunomodulation and regeneration therapeutics as an ameliorative approach for COVID-19 pandemics

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-novel coronavirus mediated COVID-19 has been recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The primary target of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the human lungs governed by the ACE-2 receptor of epithelial type II cells/endothelial cells, which promote modulation of the immune response of host cells through generating cytokine storm, inflammation, severe pneumonia symptoms, and secondary complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Although numerous antiviral and anti-parasitic drugs are under clinical trials to combat this pandemic, to date, neither a specific treatment nor any successful vaccine has been established, urging researchers to identify any potential candidate for combating the disease. Mesenchymal stem cells own self-renewal, differentiation, homing, immunomodulation and remains unaffected by the coronavirus on the virtue of the absence of ACE-2 receptors, indicating that MSC's could be used an ameliorative approach for COVID-19. MSCs have shown to combat the disease via various pathways such as repairing the lung epithelial and endothelial cells, reducing hyperimmune response, maintaining the renin-angiotensin system. Although MSCs-based treatment approaches for COVID-19 is still under consideration with limited data, many human clinical trials of MSC's has been initiated to explore their potential for COVID 19 treatment. The current review summarizes and emphasizes on how MSC's modulate the immune response, can repair the lungs from the impact of the virus, and various aspects of MSC's as a remedial source for COVID-19, to provide better insight for biomedical researchers and for those who are fascinated by stem cells as a therapeutic approach.

Implications of microscale lung damage for COVID-19 pulmonary ventilation dynamics: A narrative review

“…As more information comes to light on the pathophysiology of COVID-19, therapeutics and supplements can be implemented and tested to treat COVID-19 and decrease the severity of the disease as outlined by Morris et al [ 141 ]. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells to modulate the immune response and repair damage to lungs make it a possible contender as a therapeutic for COVID-19 [ 142 ]. For treatment methods to be effective, the microscale mechanics must be considered to effectively treat patients without inducing further harm such as VILI.…”

Cellular Therapy as Promising Choice of Treatment for COVID-19

“…The reason of why the MSCs are named as 'mesenchymal' is their residence in the mesodermal niche, and their multipotency. They are also termed as mesenchymal stromal cells, if they fulfill the minimum criteria of adherence, expression of CD105, CD73, and CD90, absence of CD45, CD34, CD14 or CD11b, CD79a or CD19, and HLA-DR cell surface markers as well as gives rise to descendant lineages including myocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes [95,96] as characterized by International Society of Stromal Therapy (ISCT) in 2005 [97].…”

Role of biomaterials in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and study of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

“…MSCs can help to regenerate damaged tissues and prevent cytokine storm [19]. MSCs are ACE2-negative at the gene level and due to their immunomodulatory effect [38][39][40], anti-inflammatory properties [41,42], and regenerative capacity [43,44] can inhibit the release of unwanted cytokines [45]. Moreover, MSCs can reduce inflammation and acute lung injury induced by viral infections [46].…”