Immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells/dental stem cells and their therapeutic applications

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are widely distributed in the body and play essential roles in tissue regeneration and homeostasis. MSCs can be isolated from discarded tissues, expanded in vitro and used as therapeutics for autoimmune diseases and other chronic disorders. MSCs promote tissue regeneration and homeostasis by primarily acting on immune cells. At least six different types of MSCs have been isolated from postnatal dental tissues and have remarkable immunomodulatory properties. Dental stem cells (DSCs) have been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects on several systemic inflammatory diseases. Conversely, MSCs derived from nondental tissues such as the umbilical cord exhibit great benefits in the management of periodontitis in preclinical studies. Here, we discuss the main therapeutic uses of MSCs/DSCs, their mechanisms, extrinsic inflammatory cues and the intrinsic metabolic circuitries that govern the immunomodulatory functions of MSCs/DSCs. Increased understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the immunomodulatory functions of MSCs/DSCs is expected to aid in the development of more potent and precise MSC/DSC-based therapeutics.

Dental Stem Cells and Lipopolysaccharides: A Concise Review

“…Dental tissue stem cells (DTSCs) are post-natal cells; they are a significant source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that can be easily obtained through minimally invasive procedures and have been utilized in treating various diseases [15]. DTSCs exhibit high proliferation rates, the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, and the expression of embryonic markers of MSCs such as OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, and KLF4 [4].…”

“…DTSCs exhibit immunosuppressive activity that helps maintain homeostasis in dental tissues [15], preventing inflammatory responses. Therefore, researchers have sought molecules to improve the regenerative process of DPSCs in LPS-induced inflammation.…”

The potency of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: does donor sex matter?

“…MSCs exert immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects through various mechanisms. They interact with immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, modulating immune responses [ 43 , 44 ]. The immunomodulatory properties are attributed to the production of metabolites, cytokines, and growth factors by MSCs.…”

“…The immunomodulatory properties are attributed to the production of metabolites, cytokines, and growth factors by MSCs. The immune suppressive potential of MSCs involves cell-to-cell contact and the secretion of immune regulatory molecules [ 44 – 46 ].…”

Interaction between immuno-stem dual lineages in jaw bone formation and injury repair

“…There are many kinds of stem cells in the jaw. Studies have reported that the types of stem cells in the oral and maxillofacial regions include periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) originating from the periodontal ligament, dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPSCs) obtained from dental pulp tissue, and jaw mesenchymal stem cells (JBMSCs) in the jawbone ( TATULLO et al, 2015 ; TOMOKIYO et al, 2019 ; LI P. et al, 2023 ). Compared with stem cells derived from long bones, jaw stem cells exhibit a higher rate of proliferation and greater osteogenic potential ( JEYARAMAN et al, 2023 ).…”