Canine periodontal ligament stem cells as a tool for periodontal regeneration

Canine periodontal disease, a progressive and irreversible condition, impacts dental health, posing a significant challenge in veterinary medicine. While current treatments focus on managing progression, canine periodontal ligament stem cells (cPDLSCs) offer regenerative potential through their self-renewal capacity, expression of stemness markers and multilineage differentiation. Autologous cPDLSCs have successfully regenerated alveolar bone, cementum, and Sharpey's fibres, while allogeneic cell transplants have demonstrated immunomodulatory benefits without triggering inflammatory reactions. cPDLSCs also show potential for mitigating inflammation and promoting regeneration in experimentally induced canine periodontal disease. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges such as limited clinical studies, disease variability, high costs, and low owner awareness hinder progress in the use of cPDLSCs in veterinary dental clinical settings. Advancing clinical veterinary science requires conducting clinical trials involving dogs with naturally occurring periodontal disease. Interdisciplinary collaboration can lower costs and expand access to these studies. Additionally, educating pet owners about hygiene practices, early disease detection, and the advantages of regenerative therapies will increase their compliance and improve the outcomes. Ultimately, bridging the gap between research and clinical application through real-world studies is essential for advancing accessible and effective periodontal therapies for dogs. Our review aims to explore the potential of cPDLSCs in both in vitro and in vivo contexts, advancing knowledge of the periodontal microenvironment and paving the way for innovative regenerative therapies.