https://doi.org/10.46889/JRMBR.2025.6205 https://athenaeumpub.com/journal-of-regenerative-medicine-biology-research/
Review Article
A Comprehensive Review on COVID-19: Virology, Molecular
Diagnosis and Exploration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) for
Its Treatment
Ambika Singh
1
, Yatika Dixit
1
, Arun Kumar Sharma
1*
, Preeti Yadav
1
1
Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India
*Correspondence author: Arun Kumar Sharma, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India;
Email: arun.k.sharma84@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: COVID-19, instigated by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) appeared in 2019 and has since caused a universal health crisis. The virus's
pathogenicity is primarily due to its unique structure, mode of transmission and capacity to
evade the host immune response. While traditional treatment and diagnostic strategies have
evolved, the elevated morbidity and mortality linked with severe infections necessitate
advanced approaches. Among these, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have gained attention
as a potential therapeutic strategy owing to their regenerative and immunomodulatory
capabilities.
Methods and Findings This review explores SARS-CoV-2 virology, transmission mechanisms,
immune response and the viral life cycle. It summarizes current molecular diagnostic methods-
RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, CRISPR, ELISA, gene sequencing, biosensors and imaging techniques-and
discusses their relative advantages and limitations. For treatment, various antivirals,
monoclonal antibodies and glucocorticoids are examined. The paper extensively discusses
MSCs sourced from bone marrow, adipose tissue and umbilical cord, which have shown
promising results in managing severe COVID-19 symptoms. MSCs mitigate cytokine storms,
promote lung repair and reduce inflammatory markers. Clinical trials have reported improved
oxygen saturation, reduced ICU stays and lower mortality in critically ill patients receiving
MSCs therapy.
Conclusion: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) offer promise in COVID-19 treatment due to their
immune modulation and tissue repair abilities and their resistance to SARS-CoV-2. However,
issues like protocol variability, high cost and unknown long-term safety remain. Future work
should refine dosage, delivery and explore synergies with gene editing and extracellular
vesicles. Large trials and AI-driven frameworks are vital for mainstream clinical use.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Mesenchymal
Stem Cells
Introduction
COVID-19, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the fifth major global pandemic
since 1918. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with an envelope, comprising 14 open reading frames
that encode 27 proteins, including the Spike (S) protein enabling ACE2 receptor-mediated host cell entry [1]. The virus spreads
via respiratory droplets, aerosols and contaminated surfaces. The host immune response involves T cells, B cells, macrophages
and dendritic cells. CD8+ T cells recognize viral antigens via MHC I and B cells produce IgM and IgG antibodies [2]. In severe
cases, cytokine storms lead to systemic inflammation and multi-organ damage [3].
Citation: Singh A, et al. A
Comprehensive Review on COVID-
19: Virology, Molecular Diagnosis
and Exploration of Mesenchymal
Stem Cells (MSCs) for Its Treatment. J
Reg Med Biol Res. 2025;6(2):1-9.
https://doi.org/10.46889/JRMBR.2025.
6205
Received Date: 03-07-2025
Accepted Date: 27-07-2025
Published Date: 03-08-2025
Copyright: © 2025 by the authors.
Submitted for possible open access
publication under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CCBY) license
(https://creativecommons.org/li
censes/by/4.0/).