The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on health care systems and economies around the globe. Clinical evidences demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection produces detrimental levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and significant systemic organ damage. Currently, there is no definitive therapy for COVID-19 or associated complications, and with the hope of a safe and effective vaccine in the distant future, the search for an answer is paramount. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide a viable option due to their immunomodulatory effects and tissue repair and regeneration abilities. Studies have demonstrated that compassionate use of MSCs can reduce symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, eliminate fluid buildup, and act as a regenerative technique for alveolar damage; all in a safe and effective way. With multiple autologous sources available for MSCs, each with their own respective limitations, allogenic umbilical cord (UC) and/or UC-derived Wharton’s jelly (WJ) seem to be best positioned source to harvest MSCs to treat COVID-19 and associated symptoms. As an allogenic source, UC is readily available, easily obtainable, and is rich in immunomodulatory and regenerative factors. In this manuscript, we reviewed the current evidences and explored the potential therapeutic use of allogenic UC and/or WJ-derived MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19. Although, preliminary preclinical and clinical studies indicate that their use is safe and potentially effective, more multi-center, randomized, controlled trials are needed to adequately assess the safety and efficacy of UC and/or WJ-derived MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19.

COVID-19 大流行给全球卫生保健系统和经济带来了前所未有的负担。临床证据表明，SARS-CoV-2 感染会产生有害水平的促炎细胞因子和趋化因子，可导致急性呼吸窘迫综合征 (ARDS) 和严重的全身器官损伤。目前，还没有针对 COVID-19 或相关并发症的明确疗法，并且希望在遥远的将来有一种安全有效的疫苗，寻找答案至关重要。间充质干细胞 (MSCs) 提供了一种可行的选择，因为它们具有免疫调节作用以及组织修复和再生能力。研究表明，富有同情心地使用 MSCs 可以减轻与 SARS-CoV-2 感染相关的症状，消除体液积聚，并作为肺泡损伤的再生技术；一切以安全有效的方式进行。由于 MSC 有多种自体来源，每种都有各自的局限性，同种异体脐带 (UC) 和/或 UC 衍生的沃顿氏胶 (WJ) 似乎是收获 MSC 以治疗 COVID-19 和相关症状的最佳来源。作为同种异体来源，UC 容易获得、容易获得，并且富含免疫调节和再生因子。在这篇手稿中，我们回顾了当前的证据，并探讨了同种异体 UC 和/或 WJ 衍生的 MSC 治疗 COVID-19 的潜在治疗用途。尽管初步的临床前和临床研究表明它们的使用是安全且潜在有效的，但更多的是多中心、随机、