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

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.