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Published on: January 12, 2024
Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in multiple organs affected by COVID-19
Gustavo C Paris1, Aline A Azevedo1, Adriana L Ferreira1
1LPCT - Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Histology and Embryology Department, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract:
Currently, the world has been devastated by an unprecedented pandemic in this century. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been causing disorders, dysfunction and morphophysiological alterations in multiple organs as the disease evolves. There is a great scientific community effort to obtain a therapy capable of reaching the multiple affected organs in order to contribute for tissue repair and regeneration. In this regard, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as potential candidates concerning the promotion of beneficial actions at different stages of COVID-19. MSCs are promising due to the observed therapeutic effects in respiratory preclinical models, as well as in cardiac, vascular, renal and nervous system models. Their immunomodulatory properties and secretion of paracrine mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and extracellular vesicles allow for long range tissue modulation and, particularly, blood-brain barrier crossing. This review focuses on SARS-CoV-2 impact to lungs, kidneys, heart, vasculature and central nervous system while discussing promising MSC's therapeutic mechanisms in each tissue. In addition, MSC's therapeutic effects in high-risk groups for COVID-19, such as obese, diabetic and hypertensive patients are also explored.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show therapeutic potential for COVID-19 by aiding tissue repair in multiple organs affected by SARS-CoV-2. Their properties may help mitigate severe disease, particularly in high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, leads to multi-organ dysfunction.
- Significant research is underway to find therapies for tissue repair and regeneration in affected organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the lungs, kidneys, heart, vasculature, and central nervous system.
- To discuss the therapeutic mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in mitigating COVID-19-related organ damage.
- To explore MSCs' potential benefits for high-risk COVID-19 patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and MSC therapeutics.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical data on MSC efficacy in various organ systems.
- Examination of MSC immunomodulatory and paracrine mechanisms, including extracellular vesicle activity.
Main Results:
- MSCs demonstrate therapeutic effects in preclinical models of respiratory, cardiac, renal, and nervous system diseases.
- MSC immunomodulatory properties and paracrine mediators facilitate tissue repair and can cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Potential benefits of MSCs are highlighted for high-risk populations including obese, diabetic, and hypertensive individuals.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells offer a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing multi-organ damage caused by SARS-CoV-2.
- Further research into MSC mechanisms is warranted to optimize COVID-19 treatment protocols.
- MSCs hold potential for improving outcomes in vulnerable patient groups affected by severe COVID-19.
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