Research progress on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs), Drugs, and Vaccines in Inhibiting COVID-19 Disease

Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs) have been used for many years in regenerative medicine for clinical and surgical applications. Additionally, recent studies reported improved respiratory activity after intravenous administration of MSCs into patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suggesting their role as anti-viral therapy. Severe COVID-19 patients usually progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, metabolic acidosis that is difficult to correct, coagulation dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and even death in a short period after onset. Currently, there is still a lack of clinically effective drugs for such patients. The high secretory activity, the immune-modulatory effect, and the homing ability make MSCs and in particular AD-MSCs both a potential tool for the anti-viral drug-delivery in the virus microenvironment and potential cellular therapy. AD-MSCs as the most important exponent of MSCs are expected to reduce the risk of complications and death of patients due to their strong anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory capabilities, which can improve microenvironment, promote neovascularization and enhance tissue repair capabilities. In this literature review, the role of regenerative strategies through MSCs, AD-MSCs, and adipocyte-secreted exosomal microRNAs (A-SE-miRs) as a potential antiviral therapy was reported, comparing the results found with current research progress on drugs and vaccines in COVID-19 disease.

Efficacy of topical and systemic transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of diabetic ischemic wounds

“…BM-MSCs, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), and stromal vascular fraction cells (SVFs) have the ability to promote wound healing and soft tissue defects when used alone [ 29 – 31 ] or in combination with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and fat graft [ 32 – 34 ]. Additionally, the most recent studies reported systemically administered MSCs improve respiratory activity in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [ 35 – 37 ]. However, we still lack treatment guidelines given the limited evidence from comparative research, which is becoming a crucial issue hindering the clinical application of MSCs.…”

A Comprehensive Summary of the Knowledge on COVID-19 Treatment

“…The treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been the research hotspot of ARDS immunotherapy in recent years [ 221 ]. MSCs exert anti-inflammatory protective effects on host tissues through the potential anti-inflammatory paracrine factors IL-1ra, TNF-α-stimulated gene 6 protein (TSG-6), insulin-like-growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and prostaglandin E2 (PEG 2) pathway [ 222 ].…”

Is There an Effect of Fetal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Mother–Fetus Dyad in COVID-19 Pregnancies and Vertical Transmission?

“…Administration of MSCs in COVID-19 patients seems to be a promising tool in the treatment by reducing hyperinflammation ( Gentile et al, 2020 ). MSCs from COVID-19 patients of different disease severity should be isolated and analyzed.…”