The COVID-19 pandemic has become a priority in the health systems of all nations worldwide. In fact, there are currently no specific drugs or preventive treatments such as vaccines. The numerous therapies available today aim to counteract the symptoms caused by the viral infection that in some subjects can evolve causing acute respiratory distress syndromes (ARDS) with consequent admission to intensive care unit. The exacerbated response of the immune system, through cytokine storm, causes extensive damage to the lung tissue, with the formation of edema, fibrotic tissues and susceptibility to opportunistic infections. The inflammatory picture is also aggravated by disseminated intravascular coagulation which worsens the damage not only to the respiratory system, but also to other organs. In this context, perinatal cells represent a valid strategy thanks to their strong immunomodulatory potential, their safety profile, the ability to reduce fibrosis and stimulate reparative processes. Furthermore, perinatal cells exert antibacterial and antiviral actions. This review therefore provides an overview of the characteristics of perinatal cells with a particular focus on the beneficial effects that they could have in patients with COVID-19, and more specifically for their potential use in the treatment of ARDS and sepsis.

中文翻译：

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围产期细胞：一种有前景的 COVID-19 疗法？


COVID-19 大流行已成为世界各国卫生系统的优先事项。事实上，目前还没有特效药物或疫苗等预防治疗方法。目前可用的多种疗法旨在抵消病毒感染引起的症状，病毒感染在某些受试者中可能会演变为导致急性呼吸窘迫综合征（ARDS）并随后进入重症监护室。通过细胞因子风暴，免疫系统的加剧反应对肺组织造成广泛损害，形成水肿、纤维化组织并易受机会性感染。弥散性血管内凝血也会加剧炎症情况，这不仅会加重对呼吸系统的损害，还会加重对其他器官的损害。在这种情况下，围产期细胞因其强大的免疫调节潜力、安全性、减少纤维化和刺激修复过程的能力而成为一种有效的策略。此外，围产期细胞发挥抗菌和抗病毒作用。因此，本综述概述了围产期细胞的特征，特别关注它们对 COVID-19 患者可能产生的有益影响，更具体地说是它们在治疗 ARDS 和脓毒症中的潜在用途。