Using exosomes to modulate the immune response in critically ill COVID-19 patients

Immune Modulation by Stem Cell Derived Exosomes in Critically Ill COVID-19

Observational University of Ulm · NCT05191381

This study is testing whether exosomes from stem cells can help improve the immune response and reduce inflammation in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ulm Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ulm)
Trial IDNCT05191381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the immune-modulating effects of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in critically ill patients suffering from COVID-19. By stimulating whole blood samples from these patients, the study aims to analyze immune phenotypes, cytokine release, and mRNA expression patterns. The goal is to understand how these exosomes can potentially reduce inflammation and support anti-fibrotic pathways in patients experiencing severe lung dysfunction due to COVID-19.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are critically ill COVID-19 patients with lung dysfunction and a WHO severity degree of 4 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing severe COVID-19 cases and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of exosomes in immune modulation is a growing field, this specific approach in critically ill COVID-19 patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Critically ill COVID-19 patients with lung dysfunction
* COVID-19 WHO severity degree \>= 4, ARDS (WHO Definition 13 March 2020)
* Body weight \> 50 kg
* Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breast feeding women

Where this trial is running

Ulm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COVID-19Critical IllnessHypercytokinemiaLung FibrosisCritical illnessExosomesMesenchymal stem cellsTissue reconstitution
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.