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Current status of cell-based therapies for respiratory virus infections: applicability to COVID-19
Maroun Khoury1,2,3, Jimena Cuenca4,2, Fernanda F Cruz5,6
1Laboratory of Nano-Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile mkhoury@uandes.cl.
Abstract:
The severe respiratory consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have prompted urgent need for novel therapies. Cell-based approaches, primarily using mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs), have demonstrated safety and possible efficacy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), although they are not yet well studied in respiratory virus-induced ARDS. Limited pre-clinical data suggest that systemic MSC administration can significantly reduce respiratory virus (influenza strains H5N1 and H9N2)-induced lung injury; however, there are no available data in models of coronavirus respiratory infection.There is a rapidly increasing number of clinical investigations of cell-based therapy approaches for COVID-19. These utilise a range of different cell sources, doses, dosing strategies and targeted patient populations. To provide a rational strategy to maximise potential therapeutic use, it is critically important to understand the relevant pre-clinical studies and postulated mechanisms of MSC actions in respiratory virus-induced lung injuries. This review presents these, along with consideration of current clinical investigations.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for treating lung injury from respiratory viruses like COVID-19. This review examines pre-clinical data and clinical trials to guide MSC therapy for viral ARDS.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Virology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for new therapies for severe respiratory illness.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being investigated for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Existing research on MSCs for viral ARDS is limited, especially for coronaviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pre-clinical findings on MSCs for respiratory virus-induced lung injury.
- To explore the mechanisms of MSC action in viral ARDS.
- To consider current clinical investigations of MSC-based therapies for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pre-clinical studies on MSCs and respiratory viral infections.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms of MSC therapeutic effects.
- Survey of ongoing clinical trials for cell-based therapies in COVID-19.
Main Results:
- Pre-clinical data suggest MSCs can reduce lung injury from influenza viruses (H5N1, H9N2).
- No pre-clinical data currently exist for MSCs in coronavirus respiratory infection models.
- Numerous clinical trials are exploring various MSC applications for COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pre-clinical MSC data is crucial for developing effective COVID-19 therapies.
- Further research is needed to establish MSC efficacy in coronavirus-induced ARDS.
- A rational strategy is required to optimize MSC use in clinical settings for viral lung injury.
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