Immunomodulation and regenerative capacity of MSCs for long-COVID
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2021
Abstract
The rapid mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is now a major concern with no effective drugs and treatments. The severity of the disease is linked to the induction of a cytokine storm that promotes extensive inflammation in the lung, leading to many acute lung injuries, pulmonary edema, and eventually death. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might prove to be a treatment option as they have immunomodulation and regenerative properties. Clinical trials utilizing MSCs in treating acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have provided a basis in treating post-COVID-19 patients. In this review, we discussed the effects of MSCs as an immunomodulator to reduce the severity and death in patients with COVID-19, including the usage of MSCs as an alternative regenerative therapy in post-COVID-19 patients. This review also includes the current clinical trials in utilizing MSCs and their potential future utilization for long-COVID treatments.
Keywords
MSCs, Long-COVID, Immunomodulation, Regeneration
Divisions
fac_eng
Funders
Medical Faculty of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (FF-2020-327),Medical Faculty of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (FPR-1)
Publication Title
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume
22
Issue
22
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND