The Therapeutic Scope of Orofacial Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Abstract

Orofacial Mesenchymal Stem Cells (OMSCs) are an attractive and promising tool for tissue regeneration, with their potential for craniofacial bone repair being a primary focus of research. A key advantage driving their clinical interest is their accessibility from tissues that are often discarded, such as exfoliated deciduous teeth, which circumvents the ethical concerns and donor site morbidity associated with other stem cell sources. The high proliferation ability and multi-differentiation capacity of OMSCs make them a unique resource for tissue engineering. Recently, OMSCs have been explored in the restoration of the heart and skin, treatment of oral mucosal lesions, and regeneration of hard connective tissues such as cartilage. Beyond their direct regenerative capabilities, OMSCs possess potent immunomodulatory functions, enabling them to regulate the immune system in various inflammatory disorders through the secretion of cytokines. This review offers an in-depth update regarding the therapeutic possibilities of OMSCs, highlighting their roles in the regeneration of bone and various tissues, outlining their immunomodulatory capabilities, and examining the essential technologies necessary for their clinical application.