Mesenchymal stem cells and COVID-19: the process of discovery and of translation

doi:10.12336/biomatertransl.2021.04.006

Biomaterials Translational ›› 2021, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (4): 307-311.doi: 10.12336/biomatertransl.2021.04.006

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Mesenchymal stem cells and COVID-19: the process of discovery and of translation

Arnold I. Caplan^*()

Skeletal Research Center, Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

Received:2021-08-18 Revised:2021-10-19 Accepted:2021-11-16 Online:2021-12-28 Published:2021-12-28
Contact: Arnold I. Caplan E-mail:arnold.caplan@case.edu
About author:Arnold I. Caplan, arnold.caplan@case.edu.

Abstract

Abstract:

Mesenchymal stem cells were developed as a cell-based therapeutic in the 1990’s. The translation of culture expanded mesenchymal stem cells from a basic science focus into a modern therapeutic has taken 30 years. The current state of the basic science information argues that mesenchymal stem cells may be curative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Indeed, early small-scale clinical trials have shown positive results. The issue raised is how to assemble the resources to get this cell-based therapy approved for clinical use. The technology is complex, the COVID-19 viral infections are life threatening, the cost is high, but human life is precious. What will it take to perfect this potentially curative technology?

Key words: COVID-19, discovery research, mesenchymal stem cell, translation

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Mesenchymal stem cells and COVID-19: the process of discovery and of translation

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