Stem cell therapy in COVID: is it safe?

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as a promising therapy for various conditions including neurologic, cardiovascular, autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative effects. SARS-CoV- 2 severe infection has been associated with a cytokine storm leading to multiple clinical manifestations including Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis. Due to a global lack of specific therapy for the virus and its complications, several strategies have been used to try to limit disease severity and hospital length of stay. Among these strategies, MSC have shown good results in phase I clinical trials, rising hope for physicians and patients around the world. Given this is a novel therapy, safety concerns about acute and long-term side effects limit their widespread use. Taking into account the everyday growing evidence of MSC therapy, a narrative review of its safety was conducted and discussion was made about current and possible future directions in MSC therapy and research.