Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied for their potential to treat inflammatory conditions like COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate nine MSC lines—derived from bone marrow (hBMMSC), dental pulp (hDPMSC), and umbilical cord tissue (hUCMSC)—to determine which type offers the strongest therapeutic potential for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Using a series of in vitro assessments, researchers analyzed the MSCs’ proliferative capacity, immunophenotype, differentiation potential, and proteomic profiles. They also tested their ability to modulate immune responses in co-culture with activated lymphocytes. While all MSC lines demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, the study found substantial variability in their ability to regulate inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10.
One particular umbilical cord-derived MSC (hUCMSC) emerged as the most promising candidate due to its superior ability to modulate IL-6 levels—a key marker of inflammatory response in COVID-19. When administered to SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice, this hUCMSC line significantly improved lung histology and altered cytokine expression patterns, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in reducing COVID-19-related lung damage.
These findings reinforce the importance of selecting the right MSC source for clinical applications. Not all MSCs behave the same way, and understanding their functional heterogeneity is important for optimizing their therapeutic potential. This study highlights the characterization methods to ensure that only the most effective MSC lines are used in regenerative medicine, particularly in the fight against COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases.
