Wuhan Optics Valley Vcanbiopharma Co., Ltd.

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is an acute systemic inflammatory reaction in which hyperactivated immune cells suddenly release a large amount of cytokines, leading to exaggerated inflammatory responses, multiple organ dysfunction, and even death. Although palliative treatment strategies have significantly reduced the overall mortality, novel targeted treatment regimens with superior therapy efficacy are urgently needed. Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are important target cells of systemic inflammation, and their destruction is considered to be the initiating event underlying many serious complications of CRS. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with self-renewing differentiation capacity and immunomodulatory properties. MSC transplantation can effectively suppress the activation of immune cells, reduce the bulk release of cytokines, and repair damaged tissues and organs. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms underlying CRS-induced vascular endothelial injury and discuss potential treatments using MSCs. Preclinical studies demonstrate that MSC therapy can effectively repair endothelium damage and thus reduce the incidence and severity of ensuing CRS-induced complications. This review highlights the therapeutic role of MSCs in fighting against CRS-induced EC damage, and summarizes the possible therapeutic formulations of MSCs for improved efficacy in future clinical trials.

The therapeutic options for patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are limited. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory and regenerative properties that may inhibit excessive inflammatory responses, promote recovery from COVID-19-induced lung injury, and potentially serve as a therapeutic option.

An evaluation of the safety and efficacy of using human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in 5 critically ill patients with COVID-19 was conducted in this study. In all patients, hUC-MSCs were administered intravenously three times at a dosage of 3 × 107 cells per time, 2 days between each infusion. Safety was evaluated using adverse events. The efficacy was assessed by coagulation function (serum D dimer), inflammatory index (CRP and IL-6) and immune index (lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, CD4, CD19, and CD16 + 56), as well as chest computed tomography (CT) images. Post-infusion visits focused on oxygen saturation and progression of lung lesions.

Infusions of hUC-MSCs were not associated with any serious adverse events. The CT scans indicate that lung lesions have been adequately controlled after receiving the hUC-MSCs. HUC-MSCs injection improved immune system function and alleviated inflammation.

According to our findings, intravenous infusion of hUC-MSCs has proven to be safe, and it has also proven to show potential therapeutic benefits for patients with severe COVID-19.

Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has potential therapeutic effects for patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, a consensus on the efficacy and safety of MSCs has not been reached.

A systemic literature review was conducted by searching the Cochrane Library and PubMed databases for articles that evaluated the impact of MSC therapy on the outcomes among patients with end-stage liver disease. Various parameters, including pre- and post-treatment model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, serum albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TB), coagulation function, aminotransferase, and survival rate, were evaluated.

This meta-analysis included a final total of 13 studies and 854 patients. The results indicated improved liver parameters following MSC therapy at different time points, including in terms of MELD score, TB level, and ALB level, compared with conventional treatment. Furthermore, the MSC treatment increased the overall survival rate among patients with liver cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The changes in transaminase level and coagulation function differed between the different therapies at various post-treatment time points, indicating that MSC therapy provided no significant benefits in this regard. The further subgroup analysis stratified by liver background revealed that patients with ACLF benefit more from MSC therapy at most time points with improved liver function, including in terms of MELD score, TB level, and ALB level. In addition, no serious side effects or adverse events were reported following MSC therapy.

The meta-analysis results suggest that MSC therapy is safe and results in improved liver function and survival rates among patients with end-stage liver disease. The subgroup analysis stratified by liver background indicated that patients with ACLF benefit more from MSC therapy than patients with liver cirrhosis at most time points.