Stem cells as an option for the treatment of COVID-19

Abstract

The application of stem cells is among the many strategies currently available for the treatment of multiple diseases. Stem cells are characterized as undifferentiated cells that have the ability to differentiate towards multiple lineages and self-renewal, among other attributes. Since the first umbilical cord stem cell transplant for the treatment of Fanconi anemia, the use of stem cells for the treatment of multiple diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019, has increased, showing promising results that require evaluation through research studies that include a longer follow-up time. Therefore, the main objective of this Letter is to provide an update on the use of stem cells in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, as well as identify the main challenges and limitations presented by this type of therapy.

Key Words: COVID-19; Stem cells; Multiple diseases; Undifferentiated cells; Appropriate treatment; Cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Core Tip: The stem-cell-derived microvesicles improve the oxygenation conditions of patients, thereby avoiding mechanical oxygenation methods. They demonstrate the ability to modulate the inflammatory response by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines within the first few hours of their intravenous application because these microvesicles contain cytokines, growth factors, and microRNAs, which function as anti-inflammatory agents.

TO THE EDITOR

The current pandemic we are experiencing due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undoubtedly represents a significant challenge for medical and research domains. The magnitude of the disease is evident with millions of lives lost; therefore, the need to find appropriate treatment is urgent. One of the main effects that this type of virus triggers in the human body is the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukins (ILs)], such as IL-1α/β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-α/β/γ, and the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which cause damage to multiple organs[1]. Zheng[2] published a very interesting study in which they carried out a review of the effects of stem cells in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It covers the ability of stem cells to secrete immunomodulatory factors and to improve the adverse effects of respiratory syndrome by reducing fibrosis.

Since the first umbilical cord stem cell transplant for the treatment of Fanconi anemia[3], the use of stem cells for the treatment of multiple diseases, including COVID-19, has increased. Among the various positive effects of stem cells is their capacity for immunoregulation by controlling inflammatory processes. The evidence we have on the use of stem cells for the SARS-CoV-2 infection is from transplanting mesenchymal cord cells by intravenous infusion, in which there is a significant decrease in the cytokines granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, TNF-α, TNF-, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and RANTES, which in turn decrease the mortality rate and the recovery time of patients[4]. Also, the application of umbilical stem cells has shown—through imaging analysis—that it improves the damage to lung tissue by reducing the solid component, which may be related to fibrosis[5].

Stem cells influence the regulation of cytokine expression by promoting the polarization of macrophages from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory phenotype through the production of different types of cytokines, such as prostaglandin E2, TNF-stimulated gene 6 protein lactate, kynurenic acid, and spermidine, all of which in turn have an effect on the adaptive immune system by preventing the activation of effector T cells and promoting the regulation of regulatory T cells[6].

The efficacy and safety of the application of stem-cell-derived microvesicles have also been evaluated, which improve the oxygenation conditions of patients, thereby avoiding mechanical oxygenation methods and demonstrating the ability to modulate the inflammatory response by reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines within the first few hours of their intravenous application[7]. This is because these microvesicles contain cytokines, growth factors, and microRNAs that function as anti-inflammatory agents[8].

Although clinical trials have shown that stem-cell-based therapy has great advantages that have a direct impact on the survival of patients with severe disease, there are significant technical and biological limitations with this type of therapy: (1) The methods of obtaining stem cells—for example, those that come from adults; and (2) The quantity and quality of these stem cells depend on the age of the donor and their exposure to environmental stress, which could affect cell proliferation and differentiation[9]. Obtaining stem cells is still a challenge due to the lack of consensus of ethics committees. Another major challenge is the in vitro manipulation given to the cells: Keeping them in expansion for long periods of time can limit the characteristics of the cells regarding their regeneration potential and genomic stability[10].

The conclusion of this Letter is that although encouraging results have been obtained, we believe it is necessary to continue with long-term clinical trials that (1) Include a greater number of patients that allow adequate evaluation; (2) Design studies with a longer follow-up time, months or years, which allows an adequate assessment of the possible biological risks of the application of stem cells; and (3) Include the evaluation of molecular studies in order to analyze the gene expression of stem cells within the body These three clinical trial points will aid in obtaining approval from the international institutions that sanction the use of medical drugs (including stem cells).