Mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a potentially lethal condition that arises after direct or indirect injury of the lung. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment with lung protective ventilation and fluid conserving strategies. Cell therapy, and particularly mesenchymal stem cells therapy, has emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative. Multiple preclinical studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells express their protective effect in the lungs through various mechanisms, including modulation of immune response, repair of endothelial and epithelial injury and enhanced bacterial clearance. This review focuses on the experimental data regarding the use of mesenchymal stem cells and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and the potential mechanism underlying their therapeutic effects.