Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes as a cell-free therapy for patients Infected with COVID-19: Real opportunities and range of promises

There are no commercially available effective antiviral medications or vaccines to deal with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Hence there is a substantial unmet medical need for new and efficacious treatment options for COVID-19. Most COVID-19 deaths result from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This virus induces excessive and aberrant inflammation so it is important to control the inflammation as soon as possible. To date, results of numerous studies have been shown that mesenchymal stem cells and their derivatives can suppress inflammation. Exosomes function as intercellular communication vehicles to transfer bioactive molecules (based on their origins), between cells. In this review, the recent exosome-based clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 are presented. Potential therapy may include the following items: First, using mesenchymal stem cells secretome. Second, incorporating specific miRNAs and mRNAs into exosomes and last, using exosomes as carriers to deliver drugs.