Stem Cell Therapy against COVID-19

Sarbesh Kumar Jha¹, Atul Dwivedi^2*, Praveen Kumar³, Deepak Sigdel⁴, Den Prasad Achary⁴, Roshan Khadka⁴, Xiaoming Qiu⁵ and Shweta Shukla Dwivedi⁶

^*Correspondence: Atul Dwivedi, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Shree Nursing Home, Bareilly, India, Email:

Author info »

Introduction

Novel Corona Virus Disease outbreak happened in January 2020, subsequently dispersed around the world and reason for death of several million people worldwide [1,2].

As COVID-19 confirmed cases rises up, global shortage of medical resources become a challenge in the treatment of critically ill patients. We can avoid the shortage of resources and preserve medical ecosystem by using protective mask and social distancing. Integration of telemedicine in medical system may eliminate unnecessary exposure for both vulnerable patients and healthcare workers [3].

Death risk and morbidities in COVID-19 cases created a horrible situation worldwide and changed the mode of work, examination, celebration, business and of course medical education. During pandemic, most of the medical colleges are running online lectures. However, online lectures are not the substitute of face-to-face classroom lectures (FFCL) [4].

The term corona virus (Latin: Corona, crown) is coined due to presence of spikes glycoproteins on the surface that gives it a crown-like appearance. Coronaviruses came from the family Coronaviridae and the order Nidovirales [5]. This virus broadly distributed in several mammals including humans, with a large Positive-sense RNA encapsulated in a protein coat. Coronaviruses majorly affect animals and depict transmission from animals to humans. These coronaviruses can be classified in to four groups, alpha, beta, gamma and delta, causing illness which range from mild fever, cold to severe disease like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome & MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

Human Coronaviruses cause mild infection in majorly cases but in past two decades Coronaviruses of beta family viz. (SARS-CoV) and MERS-CoV, are responsible for more than 10,000 cumulative cases with fatality rate of 10 % and 37% respectively [6,7].

Recently, a new member of the beta group Coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 caused pandemic disease (COVID-19) worldwide. As like SARS-Co-V, SARS-CoV-2 also affects lower respiratory system to cause viral pneumonia. In addition, many studies reported a disturbance GIT, heart liver, kidney and CNS (central nervous system) that ultimately lead to MOF (multiple organ failure).

The SARS-CoV-2 virus stimulates a profusion of cytokines for example TNF-alpha, MIP1A, MCP1, IP10, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, G-SCF.

This inflammatory response is called cytokines Storm. It is followed by ARDS, EDEMA, dysfunction of air exchange, acute cardiac injury, secondary infection like mucormycosis or other fungal or bacterial infection may occur.

In severe cases, sometimes Cytokine Storm becomes extraordinary and out of control, leads to MOF (multiple organ failure) and death [8, 9].

Therapeutics are used in order to control Cytokine Storm may play a preponderant role in treating COVID -19 patients. MSCs possess immunomodulatory properties and ACE-2 receptor absent in it, that's why there is minimum probability of contamination with SARS-COV-2 [4].

Cytokine Storm (CS) appears to be one of the most common cause behind COVID-19 infected patients death. Cytokine storm takes place whenever the immune system is exaggerated in COVID -19 infected patients [10]. Several therapeutic approaches might be able to manage CS and decrease the mortality and morbidity rates associated with COVID-19 [11].

Additionally, drug repositioning has also been approved to be effective for COVID -19 patients [5].

Besides stem cell therapy, use of exosomes has also been studied as they have hypoimmunogenic properties and are enclosed in a lipid bilayer. These qualities make the exosomes extremely stable and fit to migrate to the target organ of damage instead of accumulating via blood stream. Combined strategy of antiviral drugs along with immunomodulatory, tissue protective and highly healing potential of stem cells and their exosomes may be proven an effective therapy for COVID-19 cases and may also reduce the severity of COVID-19 [25].

If we talk about application of stem cell therapy in bones and joints disorders, stem cell therapy can be a better substitute for hardware, implants and arthroplasty. Moreover, no single method or approach ideal for all types of fractures (e.g. Pilon fracture) or we can say every method has its own benefits and drawbacks. Hence, Stem cell therapy can provide better options for number of bone disorders with least risks and complications [14-17].

Generally, Spine surgeons perform two procedures ACDF (Artificial cervical discectomy and fusion) and ACDR (Artificial cervical disc replacement) in case of CDDD (cervical disc degeneration disease) patients.

ACDF having risk of ASD (Adjacent segment degeneration), while ACDR is a 'Double Edged Sword' having motion sparing benefits but potential drawback of Heterotopic ossification, device failure etc. [18].

Mesenchymal stem cells are immunomodulatory in function and ability to differentiate in to cartilage, which is essential part for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration [19].

Moreover, Stem Cell Regenerative medicine (SCRM) and gene therapy can be optimised with the use of Artificial Intelligence Techniques and we can predict the clinical outcomes in Pediatric patients [20].

Therefore, artificial intelligence able to fulfil the need of the patient in several branches of medicine, such as radiology, pathology, oncology, surgery, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) [21]. Contrarily, the huge clinical trials are essential for ensuring the safety, accuracy and efficiency of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine [22].

This review talks about application of stem cell regenerative medicine (SCRM) in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, other applicable and possible type’s therapeutic modalities against COVID-19 (corona virus) will also be discussed.

Materials and Methods

Methods: Online search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Google Scholar, Clinicaltrials.gov for suitable studies till 10 September 2021 using keywords, stem cells, stem cell therapy, Mesenchymal stem cells, cell therapy, corona virus treatment, COVID-19, Novel corona virus, SARS CoV-2, treatment methods against COVID -19 virus.

Inclusion criteria

We included studies where stem cells or exosomes were used as therapy in order to modify the clinical outcome in COVID-19 cases (Novel corona virus) lung injury animal model, ARDS.

Exclusion criteria

We excluded studies involving other corona-viruses which do not cause severe human disease (HKU1, 229E, NL63, OC43) and studies in- silico studies, and studies using methods other than stem cell therapy to treat COVID -19 cases and lung injury animal model.

Results

Table 1 and Table 2 showing results.

Table 1: In-vivo stem cell therapy in SARS CoV-2 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Table 2: Clinical studies of stem cell therapy in COVID-19 and ARDS patients.

Stem cells application in respiratory disorders

Stem cells having the capability to differentiate in to other type of cells [33]. In some organs, the stem cells produce progeny that maintain tissue homeostasis and also perform same function as the cells that are not generated from this differentiation [34]. These stem cells depict their applications in many disorders including lung disease. For the treatment of ARDS and sepsis, several types of stem cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), epithelial progenitor cells (EpPCs).

Mesenchymal stem cells are involved in most of clinical studies, however Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) are also used in the treatment of Acute Respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [35].

Stem cells can be isolated from bone marrow and expanded on a wide extent in vitro. They play a key role in repair process of injured lung [36, 37]. MSCs transplantation may initiate simultaneously, where MSCs differentiate in to lung epithelial cells and can directly take place of damaged alveolar cells during ARDS treatment [38, 39]. Their applications in treating cardiovascular, pulmonary [37, 40] and severe inflammatory disorders [41, 42] have also been reported. Moreover, these characteristics showing immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive function [43, 44] of MSCs, which increases Keratinocytes Growth Factor (KGF) on epithelial cells and in lung injury study models. So, they play a key role in protection through inducing type II cell proliferation and clearance of Edema [45]. Additionally, MSCs also play an anti-inflammatory role by secreting several mediators, which decrease the inflammatory process [46] and secrete growth factors, including KGF [47, 48].

Potential bio markers for disease progression in COVID-19 patients are lymphopenia and higher levels of cytokines. A "Cytokine Storm" takes place in severely ill patient due to high level of cytokines, and as a result, several adverse reactions are observed in human body [49]. Cytokine storms include the interleukins IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, G-CSF (Granulocyte colony stimulating factor), GM- CSF(Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor), IP10 (Interferon gamma inducible protein), MCP1 (monocyte chemo attractant protein-1) MIP-1 Alpha (Macrophage inflammatory protein -1 alpha), TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma [49-53]. IL-6 plays as a key mediator in development of Cytokine Storm [54]. After getting infection,CD4 +T cells can be quickly activated in pathogenic helper T cells (Th) 1 secreting GM-CSF, which further induces CD14+, CD16+monocytes providing high levels of IL-6, enhancing the inflammation process [49, 55]. Study suggested that monoclonal antibodies that target the GM- CSF or IL-6 receptor may have potential to control immunopathology caused by COVID -19 and consequently spare more time for virus clearance [55].

Several studies highlighted different mechanisms showing important role of stem cell therapy in restoration of lung function. Stem cell therapy reserves an important place in the treatment of COVID-19 cases. Several case reports also show the safety and efficacy in of stem cell therapy in COVID -19 cases, especially in critically ill patients, which can't be treated by conventional therapy methods. Remarkable benefits noticed from several stem cell therapy based studies include decreased Cytokine levels without any allergic reactions. Therefore, current evidences from in-vitro/invivo and clinical studies show huge potential of MSCs in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, large scale trials of stem cell therapy should be conducted for ruling out correct efficacy. Last but not the least, it will be too early to predict potential therapeutic role of MSCs in COVID-19 [56].

MSC based acellular therapeutic methods for COVID -19

MSCs can exert their immunomodulatory effects through multiple mechanisms as these cells have paracrine role in lung regeneration. MSCs are promising candidate for the treatment of variety of disorders including ARDS & COVID-19, however safety cell viability etc. issues raises concern about their usefulness in treatment.

MSCs exert their beneficial effects primarily by paracrine mechanisms in which they release extracellular vesicles i.e. micro vesicles and exosomes. Exosomes contain a variety of chemokine’s, messenger RNA, & micro RNA. Products of extracellular vesicles have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory qualities and hence act as regulator of immune system [57, 58].

Furthermore, exosomes also possess a surprising regenerative potential for damaged tissues and organs. Several preclinical studies have shown encouraging results of exosomes in animal models of ARDS & other inflammatory and respiratory disorders.

Exosomes injections in these studies showed reduced alveolar inflammation, rapid Edema clearance restored leaky epithelial membranes. In a nutshell, Cytokine Storm can be managed with Exosomes injections [59-62].

Limitations

Due to limited data availability, there is limited information regarding MSC based therapies in this review article. Additionally, COVID -19 is a new disease and we have limited number of studies. Due to the current wave of COVID -19, number of mortalities and new cases change every day. Unfortunately, we lack solid data based on Multi-centre trial and Randomised controlled trial (RCT) etc.

Secondly, Adverse Drug Reaction is not studied regarding safety of MSC administration in severely ill COVID -19, ARDS patients and other respiratory disorders.

Finally, language itself a Barrier for information. Due to which, we may miss important studies published in other languages.

Conclusion

In the recent scenario of COVID-19 pandemic, we lack any better therapeutic option for treatment of severe COVID-19 patients. MSCs may be a better option for providing emergency therapy. Vast number of studies and clinical trials are warranted regarding the safety and efficacy stem cell therapy in COVID-19 and other respiratory disorders.

List of Abbreviations

• ARDS: Acute Respiratory Distress syndrome

• COVID -19: Novel corona virus disease happened in 2019

• RCT: Randomised controlled trials

• MSC: Mesenchymal stem cell

• G-CSF: Granulocyte colony stimulating factor

• GM- CSF: Granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor

• IP10: Interferon gamma inducible protein

• MCP1: Monocyte chemoattractant protein -1

• MIP-1: Alpha Macrophage inflammatory protein -1 alpha

• TNF-alpha: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha

• IFN-gamma: Interferon-gamma.

• KGF: Keratinocytes Growth Factor

• iPSC: Induced pluripotent stem cell

• EpPCs: Epithelial progenitor cells (EpPCs).

• BMMSCs: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

• FFCL: Face- to -face classroom lectures.

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