Protective potential of mesenchymal stem cells against COVID-19 during pregnancy

SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. COVID-19 has led to severe clinical illnesses and an unprecedented death toll. The virus induces immune inflammatory responses specifically cytokine storm in lungs. Several published reports indicated that pregnant females are less likely to develop severe symptoms compared with non-pregnant. Putative protective role of maternal blood circulating fetal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged and have been put forward as an explanation to alleviated symptoms. MSCs with immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral roles, hold great potential for the treatment of COVID-19. MSCs could be an alternative to treat infections resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 and potential future outbreaks. This review focuses on the MSCs putative protective roles against COVID-19 in pregnant females. The COVID-19 outbreak is still posing a global health concern. Despite the herd immunity provided by vaccination programs, no efficient treatments are yet available especially against the severe forms of the disease. According to published reports, pregnant females are less likely to develop the severe form of the disease due to the protective effect of specialized cells named mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells are present in the placenta and amniotic fluid. They can migrate from these tissues to the mother's blood stream and are believed to confer protection to the pregnant females against severe form of COVID-19. Further investigations are on the way to uncover the potential role of MSC as an alternative therapy for COVID-19 and other diseases. The virus SARS-CoV-2 results in COVID-19 infection. Several reports indicated that pregnant females are less likely to develop severe symptoms. Circulating fetal Mesenchymal stem cells in pregnant females might protect them. [Graphical abstract]