Immune Modulation by Exosomes in COVID-19 (IMECOV19)

In critically ill COVID-19 patients, hyperinflammation and progressive lung fibrosis may lead to lung failure and the need for extracorporeal oxygenation. This study will investigate the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells through whole blood stimulation experiments using stem cell-derived exosomes. The preparations of exosomes have been characterized by their miRNA and protein expression patterns and have shown potential for tissue regeneration. The hypothesis of this study is that mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes will reduce inflammation and promote anti-fibrotic pathways.