COVID-19: Mechanism and Observation
Session Title: COVID-19: Mechanism and Observations
Abstract Title: Autologous CD34+ Cells (CLBS119) for Repair of Covid-19 Induced Microvascular Lung Damage: Rationale and Study Design
Presenter: Douglas W. Losordo, M.D., FACC, FAHA, Chief Medical Officer of Caladrius Biosciences
Note: This session is OnDemand and will be available via AHA Scientific Session’s virtual platform on November 13, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. (CST) until November 17, 2020 at 8:30 p.m. (CST).
Evidence from research by others indicates that severe cases of COVID-19 are accompanied by damage to the pulmonary endothelium.1,2 These data indicate SARS-CoV2 is particularly avid for the lung microvascular endothelium, destroying microvascular integrity. Destruction of microvascular integrity appears to be one of the mechanisms by which COVID-19 causes severe loss of lung function that appears to persist after acute recovery. CD34+ cells have pre-programmed tissue repair effects mediated by pro-angiogenic functions.3 Restoration of the microvasculature by pro-angiogenic therapies has been associated with regeneration of damaged organ function.4-9
