Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells in critical‐care patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

BACKGROUND: Despite notable advances in the support and treatment of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), the management of those who develop a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) still constitutes an unmet medical need. MAIN BODY: Both the initial injury (trauma, pancreatitis, infections) and the derived uncontrolled response promote a hyperinflammatory status that leads to systemic hypotension, tissue hypoperfusion and multiple organ failure. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as a potential therapy for severe ICU patients due to their potent immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, regenerative and systemic homeostasis‐regulating properties. MSCs have demonstrated clinical benefits in several inflammatory‐based diseases, but their role in SIRS needs to be further explored. CONCLUSION: In the current review, after briefly overviewing SIRS physiopathology, we explore the potential mechanisms why MSC therapy could aid in the recovery of this condition and the pre‐clinical and early clinical evidence generated to date.