Abstract

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with varying degrees of potential and plasticity, capable of self-regeneration and multi-purpose differentiation. To date, stem cells have been isolated from three main sources: embryonic stem cells, somatic stem cells (adult stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells) and, more recently, through genetic manipulation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSc). While the use of embryonic stem cells is limited to ethical issues, somatic stem cells constitute a more favorable cellular source used in tissue engineering. Postnatal stem cells are isolated from several tissues including the brain, skin, hair follicles, skeletal muscles, bone marrow and dental tissue: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) from pulp of permanent teeth; stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED); periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs); apical papilla stem cells (SCAP) and progenitor cells of dental follicles (DFPC). The use of stem cells in the treatment of various diseases of the oral cavity and diseased periodontium is gaining in importance. New treatments that involve tissue engineering, i.e. the use of stem cells for the regeneration of damaged dental tissues give new hope in solving this complex medical problem.

Abbreviations: iPSc: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; DPSC: Dental Pulp Stem Cells; SHED: Stem Cells from Exfoliated Teeth; PDLSC: Stem Cells of the Periodontal Ligament; SCAP: Apical Papilla Stem Cells; DFPC: Progenitor Cells of Dental Follicles; MSCs: Mesenchymal Stem Cells; HLA: Human Leukocytic Antigens; HA/TCP: Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate; MACS: Sorting of Magnetically Activated Cells; PDL: Periodontal Ligament; PLLA: Porous Poly-L-lactic Acid; NOD/SCID: Non-Obese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficiency; iPSCs-MSC: Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from iPSCs; EMDs: Spot Matrix Derivatives