Lipopolysaccharides Modulate Cellular Responses in Dental Pulp Cells.

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers signal transduction in dental pulp cells (DPCs), leading to various biological events. The present study described the biological response of DPCs to LPS, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of its mechanisms. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar using the keywords 'lipopolysaccharide', 'dental pulp cells' and 'dental pulp stem cells'. Original studies and review articles published in English that investigated cellular or molecular responses of pulp-derived cells to LPS stimulation were included. A narrative review was then conducted to summarise and discuss the effects of LPS on these cells. Across the selected studies, LPS exposure consistently activates intracellular signalling cascades in DPCs, leading to a series of downstream events, including inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress generation, mitochondrial impairment, premature cellular senescence and alterations in odonto/osteogenic differentiation. These interconnected molecular changes underpin the progression of pulpal inflammation and influence the tissue's capacity for repair or regeneration. This narrative review described the biological response of DPCs to LPS, providing deeper insight into its mechanisms. Understanding LPS-mediated signalling enables clinicians to tailor regenerative therapeutic approaches and vital pulp therapies by modulating inflammation and optimising biological events to support dental pulp tissue healing and dentine regeneration.