Mesenchymal stem cells: current clinical progress in ARDS and COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Therapy

Background:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition with high mortality and poor quality of life for survivors.
• Current ARDS management relies on respiratory support and fluid restriction, lacking specific pharmacological treatments.
• Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit therapeutic potential for lung diseases, demonstrating protective effects in animal models of ARDS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical progress of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a cell therapy for ARDS.
• To highlight the potential clinical implications of MSC therapy for ARDS, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• This review focuses on existing literature regarding the clinical application of MSCs for ARDS.
• The review synthesizes findings from preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials.
• Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms by which MSCs exert therapeutic effects in ARDS models.

Main Results:

• MSCs have demonstrated protective effects in various animal models of ARDS.
• These effects are mediated by the release of soluble, biologically active factors from MSCs.
• Clinical progress in MSC-based ARDS therapy is an emerging area of research.

Conclusions:

• Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy represents a promising novel treatment strategy for ARDS.
• Further clinical investigation is warranted to establish the efficacy and safety of MSCs for ARDS.
• MSC therapy may offer a new therapeutic avenue for patients with ARDS, including those affected by COVID-19.