Mesenchymal Stem Cell Infusion Shows Promise for Combating Coronavirus (COVID-19)- Induced Pneumonia

Abstract

A new study published by the journal Aging & Disease reported that intravenous administration of clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in improved functional outcomes (Leng et al., Aging Dis , 11:216-228, 2020). This study demonstrated that intravenous infusion of MSCs is a safe and effective approach for treating patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, including elderly patients displaying severe pneumonia. COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, treating COVID-19 patients, particularly those afflicted with severe pneumonia, is challenging as no specific drugs or vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are available. Therefore, MSC therapy inhibiting the overactivation of the immune system and promoting endogenous repair by improving the lung microenvironment after the SARS-CoV-2 infection found in this study is striking. Additional studies in a larger cohort of patients are needed to validate this therapeutic intervention further, however.

Adipose-derived stromal stem cells (ASCs) as a new regenerative immediate therapy combating coronavirus (COVID-19)-induced pneumonia

“…Starting by this preliminary, but fundamental work, it is necessary to specify that, as reported in the study of Leng et al [1], and as confirmed by accompanying editorial work by Shetty e al [16], the MSCs used are a certified cellular product.…”

“…No acute infusion-related or allergic reactions were observed after transplantation [1,16]. Similarly, no delayed hypersensitivity or secondary infections were detected after treatment [1,16].…”

“…The results today obtained indicate the possibility to infuse MSCs, as a safe and efficient approach, in selected patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, suffered from high fever (38.5°C ± 0.5°C), shortness of breath, and low oxygen saturation, and that seems not to respond to the administered therapy [1,16]. No acute infusion-related or allergic reactions were observed after transplantation [1,16]. Similarly, no delayed hypersensitivity or secondary infections were detected after treatment [1,16].…”

“…These activity and the early establishment of new micro-capillary networks, which deliver the proper nutrients and oxygen, might contribute to the improved outcomes observed during MSCs infusion in COVID-19 patients (Scheme 1). Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activity, promoted by MSCs in COVID-19 patients, it was demonstrated by a decreased level of TNF-α, and a concurrent elevation in the concentration of the IL-10 [1,16].…”

“…Moreover, a group of CD14+ CD11 c+ CD11bmid regulatory dendritic cell population increased after MSC treatment [1,16]. Also, in comparison to the placebo group, the patients receiving MSCs displayed a decreased level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a major pro-inflammatory cytokine, with concurrent elevation in the concentration of the anti-inflammatory protein interleukin-10 (IL-10) [1,16].…”