2019 Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection has caused a global pandemic. Although researchers have carried out a lot of research on 2019-nCoV, analyzed the molecular structure and conducted evolutionary tree analysis, there is still insufficient understanding of its specific pathogenic mechanism, resulting in the lack of specific and effective therapeutic drugs and method. 2019-nCoV infection can cause inflammation and may deteriorate to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and sepsis, which have become the main complication of its death. Therefore, using antiviral and symptomatic treatment with inflammation reduction can have a better therapeutic effect. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) not only have a significant immune-regulation function, but also play a role in regeneration and repair, repairing damaged lungs, so they can be considered as a new effective method for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This article analyzes the main pathogenic mechanism of 2019-nCoV, and the process of developing into ARDS, combined with the research status of MSCs, to explore its significance and feasibility for the treatment of COVID-19. Finally, it will provide a substantial theoretical basis for clinical treatment now and in the future.