Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derived Exosomes for the Treatment of COVID-19

Overview

Journal World J Stem Cells

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Date 2024 May 1

PMID 38690515

Authors

Xiang-Yi Hou

La-Mu Danzeng

Yi-Lin Wu

Qian-Hui Ma

Zheng Yu

Mei-Ying Li

Li-Sha Li

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infection typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms, which can progress to severe respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. In severe cases, these complications may even lead to death. One of the causes of COVID-19 deaths is the cytokine storm caused by an overactive immune response. Therefore, suppressing the overactive immune response may be an effective strategy for treating COVID-19. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derived exosomes (MSCs-Exo) have potent homing abilities, immunomodulatory functions, regenerative repair, and antifibrotic effects, promising an effective tool in treating COVID-19. In this paper, we review the main mechanisms and potential roles of MSCs and MSCs-Exo in treating COVID-19. We also summarize relevant recent clinical trials, including the source of cells, the dosage and the efficacy, and the clinical value and problems in this field, providing more theoretical references for the clinical use of MSCs and MSCs-Exo in the treatment of COVID-19.

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PMID: 39821446 PMC: 11742274. DOI: 10.1007/s10006-025-01331-9.

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