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Review
. 2020 Oct 1;11(5):1191-1201.
doi: 10.14336/AD.2020.0711. eCollection 2020 Oct.

Research progress on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs), Drugs, and Vaccines in Inhibiting COVID-19 Disease

Pietro Gentile  1   2 , Aris Sterodimas  3 , Jacopo Pizzicannella  4 , Claudio Calabrese  5 , Simone Garcovich  6
Affiliations
Review

Research progress on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs), Drugs, and Vaccines in Inhibiting COVID-19 Disease

Pietro Gentile et al. Aging Dis. .

Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs) have been used for many years in regenerative medicine for clinical and surgical applications. Additionally, recent studies reported improved respiratory activity after intravenous administration of MSCs into patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suggesting their role as anti-viral therapy. Severe COVID-19 patients usually progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, metabolic acidosis that is difficult to correct, coagulation dysfunction, multiple organ failure, and even death in a short period after onset. Currently, there is still a lack of clinically effective drugs for such patients. The high secretory activity, the immune-modulatory effect, and the homing ability make MSCs and in particular AD-MSCs both a potential tool for the anti-viral drug-delivery in the virus microenvironment and potential cellular therapy. AD-MSCs as the most important exponent of MSCs are expected to reduce the risk of complications and death of patients due to their strong anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory capabilities, which can improve microenvironment, promote neovascularization and enhance tissue repair capabilities. In this literature review, the role of regenerative strategies through MSCs, AD-MSCs, and adipocyte-secreted exosomal microRNAs (A-SE-miRs) as a potential antiviral therapy was reported, comparing the results found with current research progress on drugs and vaccines in COVID-19 disease.

Keywords: Adipose Stem Cells; COVID-19; Coronavirus therapy; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; SARS-CoV-2; Stem Cell Therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) flow diagram.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Graphical illustration of the anti-viral activity of SVFs and AD-MSCs via intravenous infusion and aerosol administration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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