Potential Therapeutic Effects of Exosomes in Regenerative Endodontics

Abstract

Objective: This review aims to describe the basic characteristics of exosomes, and summarize their possible source and potential biological effects in pulp regeneration, providing new insights into the therapeutic role of exosomes for regenerative endodontics in the future.

Design: A comprehensive review of scientific literature related to exosomes potentially used for pulp regeneration was conducted.

Results: Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in dental pulp regeneration. MSC-derived exosomes, as important biotransmitters in intercellular communication, have been shown to replicate the therapeutic effects of their parental cells. These exosomes have better stability, lower immunogenicity, higher safety and clinical efficiency, making it possible to apply them in pulp regeneration. Existing research suggests that exosomes could trigger the regeneration of dentin/pulp-like tissue in vivo, which may attribute to their role in promoting pulp angiogenesis, regulating dental cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, and providing neuroprotection.

Conclusions: The applications of exosomes in the treatment of pulp regeneration have great potential, and exosomes may become ideal therapeutic biomaterial in regenerative endodontics.

Keywords: dental mesenchymal stem cells; dental pulp regeneration; exosomes; regenerative endodontics.