Indonesia has been fighting the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of March 2020, and it doesnt seem that the situation is getting better soon. Despite the countrys strategies to minimize the rising numbers of mortalities, a novel therapeutic intervention is compulsory. By performing a constructive search in several databases, we found stem cells to be a capable candidate. Regardless of the general use of stem cells, studies showed positive results regarding the efficacy of its use in lung injuries. Especially, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). MSCs are known for their accessibility, long term characteristic maintenance, and their diverse beneficial mechanisms. These included MSCs immunomodulatory, antiviral effect, and its ability to improve lung function. Moreover, researches perceived these components to be applicable in COVID-19s end stage, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). While proper clinical trials are still in progress, many case reports showed MSCs to be an advantageous alternative to repress the cytokine storm and help regulate the immune system. This review summarizes the common functions of MSCs and highlights its therapeutic assets to fully tackle this global pandemic.
Key words: Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Cell Therapy, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, ARDS
|
