SARS-CoV-2 infection and stem cells: Interaction and intervention.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Virology

Background:

• The novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global health emergency.
• SARS-CoV-2 utilizes its spike protein to enter angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-expressing cells, similar to SARS-CoV.
• Stem cells in the respiratory tract expressing ACE2 may be involved in coronavirus infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential role of ACE2-expressing stem/progenitor cells in the respiratory tract during coronavirus infection.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of stem cells for managing acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung injury caused by viral infections.
• To discuss future therapeutic strategies, including vaccines and cell-based therapies, for preventing coronavirus reemergence.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on stem cell involvement in coronavirus infection.
• Analysis of the immune response dysregulation in viral infection-associated lung injury.
• Evaluation of stem cell therapy and other potential therapeutics for coronavirus.

Main Results:

• Mesenchymal stem cells show promise in modulating immune responses to reduce lung injury.
• Exogenous stem cell transplantation may facilitate lung repair and regeneration in survivors.
• Vaccines, natural killer cells, and induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived cytotoxic T lymphocytes are potential off-the-shelf therapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Stem cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of coronavirus infection.
• Mesenchymal stem cell therapy offers a potential treatment for reducing lung injury and promoting repair.
• Cellular therapies and vaccines are crucial for future prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections.