Cell Therapy of COVID-19 Patients Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell; Benefits and Challenges

The COVID-19 disease is caused by SARS-coronavirus-2. The corona virus mainly causes damage to the pulmonary epithelial cells of lung, as well as other organs such as the hearts and immune system by interaction of its spike protein with host ACE2 receptor. There is currently no specific treatment for coronary disease. Mesenchymal stem cell may be a potential treatment for refractory pulmonary illnesses.

To conduct this review study, the databases of PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, world health organization international clinical trials registry platform and european union clinical trials register were searched using the keywords of COVID-19 and mesenchymal stem cells in 2020. Then, by exact examining of the title, the summary and full text of articles, repeat studies and cases that lacked inclusion criteria were excluded. In these studies, the pathological symptoms of coronary patients as well as the characteristics, origin, and potential mechanisms of stem cells in coronary artery disease and MSC-based clinical trials were investigated.

Mesenchymal stem cells have significant effects on the treatment of COVID-19 disease due to their unique properties such as immune system regulation and tissue regeneration capabilities. Also, in this way, several studies have been licensed to enter the clinical phase and are under investigation.

Although treatment of corona disease using stem cells is a very promising method, but the limitations of this therapeutic approach must be considered. So, there is an urgent need for large-scale investigations to confirm the safety and efficacy profile of these therapies and rigorous resolution on several fronts, including MSC fate after infusion, homing capability and MSC resistance to the disease microenvironment.