Perspectives on mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells and their derivates as potential therapies for lung damage caused by COVID-19

Core Tip

Core Tip: The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has reached pandemic proportions, causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which leads to severe pneumonia. The lungs are the primary organ affected by SARS-CoV-2, with a very slow turnover for renewal. SARS-CoV-2 enters the lungs and induces immune response with cytokine storm and subsequent organ dysfunction. To date, there is no effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19. Cell-based therapy involving mesenchymal stem cells and/or their secretome is considered a supportive therapy for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Mesenchymal stem cells can regenerate severely injured respiratory tract cells through their trophic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.