Mesenchymal stem cell transfusion: Possible beneficial effects in COVID-19 patients

Transfus Apher Sci. 2021 Dec;60(6):103237. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103237. Epub 2021 Aug 17.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor on human cells. The virus causes hypercytokinemia, capillary leak, pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute cardiac injury, and leads to death. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ACE-2 negative cells; therefore, can escape from SARS-CoV-2. MSCs prevent hypercytokinemia and help the resolution of the pulmonary edema and other damages occurred during the course of COVID-19. In addition, MSCs enhance the regeneration of the lung and other tissues affected by SARS-CoV-2. The case series reported beneficial effect of MSCs in COVID-19 treatment. However, there are some concerns about the safety of MSCs, particularly referring to the increased risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation, and thromboembolism due to the expression of TF/CD142. Prospective, randomized, large scale studies are needed to reveal the optimum dose, administration way, time, efficacy, and safety of MSCs in the COVID-19 treatment.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mesenchymal stem cell; SARS-CoV-2; Transfusion; Transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / blood
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / blood
  • Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regeneration*
  • Risk Factors
  • SARS-CoV-2 / metabolism*
  • Thromboembolism / blood
  • Thromboembolism / etiology
  • Thromboplastin / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Thromboplastin
  • ACE protein, human
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A