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Potential Cell-Based and Cell-Free Therapy for Patients with COVID-19
Marselina Irasonia Tan1, Nayla Majeda Alfarafisa2, Popi Septiani1
1School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Since it was first reported, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains an unresolved puzzle for biomedical researchers in different fields. Various treatments, drugs, and interventions were explored as treatments for COVID. Nevertheless, there are no standard and effective therapeutic measures. Meanwhile, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy offers a new approach with minimal side effects. MSCs and MSC-based products possess several biological properties that potentially alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. Generally, there are three classifications of stem cell therapy: cell-based therapy, tissue engineering, and cell-free therapy. This review discusses the MSC-based and cell-free therapies for patients with COVID-19, their potential mechanisms of action, and clinical trials related to these therapies. Cell-based therapies involve the direct use and injection of MSCs into the target tissue or organ. On the other hand, cell-free therapy uses secreted products from cells as the primary material. Cell-free therapy materials can comprise cell secretomes and extracellular vesicles. Each therapeutic approach possesses different benefits and various risks. A better understanding of MSC-based and cell-free therapies is essential for supporting the development of safe and effective COVID-19 therapy.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies, including cell-based and cell-free approaches, show promise for treating COVID-19 with potentially fewer side effects than other treatments. Further understanding is crucial for developing effective therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Regenerative medicine
- Infectious disease treatment
Background:
- Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents ongoing challenges for biomedical research.
- Current treatments for COVID-19 lack standardization and proven efficacy.
- Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy emerges as a potential therapeutic avenue with a favorable safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based and cell-free therapies for COVID-19.
- To explore the potential mechanisms of action for these MSC therapies.
- To discuss ongoing clinical trials investigating MSC-based and cell-free treatments for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MSC-based and cell-free therapies for COVID-19.
- Analysis of biological properties of MSCs and their secreted products.
- Examination of clinical trial data for MSC therapies in COVID-19 patients.
Main Results:
- MSC therapies, encompassing cell-based and cell-free approaches, exhibit potential for alleviating COVID-19 symptoms.
- Cell-based therapy involves direct administration of MSCs, while cell-free therapy utilizes MSC-derived products like secretomes and extracellular vesicles.
- Both approaches present distinct advantages and potential risks.
Conclusions:
- MSC-based and cell-free therapies offer a promising alternative for COVID-19 treatment.
- Understanding the mechanisms and clinical outcomes of these therapies is vital.
- Further research is essential to establish safe and effective MSC-based therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
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