Stem Cells and Inflammation Reduction in COVID-19: A Research Review
Background / Problem
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. About 80% of infected people have mild or no symptoms, similar to a common cold. A smaller proportion develop severe disease (COVID-19 pneumonia) driven by direct damage to the respiratory system together with an excessive inflammatory response that overwhelms multiple organ systems.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate to replace damaged respiratory cells and act as immunomodulators to regulate excessive inflammation. They have therefore been studied as a complementary option, particularly in severe cases where conventional treatment has shown limited effectiveness.
Evidence Review
This piece reviews studies of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in patients with severe COVID-19, drawing on studies that reported clear clinical outcomes.
- 1China study (Apr 2020): MSCs at 1 million cells/kg in 7 patients (5 severe)
- 2Followed clinical status, viral tests, and inflammation vs. patients not given stem cells
- 3US study: MSCs in 24 patients with moderate-to-severe disease
- 4Measured oxygen exchange, white blood cell counts, and inflammatory markers before and after
Outcomes
In the China study, the stem cell group improved clinically within about 2–4 days, tested negative for the virus within 7–14 days, and had inflammatory markers return to near-normal within 6 days, with no significant adverse effects. In the US study of 24 patients, oxygen exchange, white blood cell counts, and inflammatory markers improved significantly compared with pre-treatment levels.
- China study (7 patients): improvement in 2–4 days, viral-negative in 7–14 days, inflammation near-normal in 6 days
- US study (24 patients): significant improvement in oxygenation, white blood cells, and inflammatory markers
- Neither study reported serious complications from stem cell administration
Key Findings / Insights
- The immunomodulatory properties of MSCs may help reduce the severity of the inflammatory response (cytokine storm)
- Results from small studies are a promising trend but require large randomized trials for confirmation
- Stem cell administration should be done under medical supervision in accredited facilities
References
- WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 – 11 March 2020. World Health Organization.
- Rajarshi K, Chatterjee A, Ray S. Combating COVID-19 with mesenchymal stem cell therapy. Biotechnology Reports. 2020;26:e00467.
- Pal D, Goyal J, Sharma U, et al. Mesenchymal stem cells in SARS-CoV-2 infection: A hype or hope. Life Sciences. 2021;284:119901.
- Leng Z, Zhu R, Hou W, et al. Transplantation of ACE2-mesenchymal stem cells improves the outcome of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Aging and Disease. 2020;11(2):216-228.
- Sengupta V, et al. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from perinatal tissues for treatment of critically ill COVID-19-induced ARDS patients: a case series. (24 patients)
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can stem cells really treat COVID-19?
Stem cells are a complementary approach still under study; small studies suggest they may help reduce inflammation and respiratory symptoms, but they are not a primary treatment and require medical supervision.