Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth: A Growing Literature

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• Dental Research

Background:

• Adult stem cells are crucial in advanced medical research.
• Human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) represent an immature stem cell population with therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on SHED properties, immunomodulatory effects, and banking.
• To consolidate findings from scientific publications between 2003 and 2015.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of full-text English publications.
• Keywords: 'stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED)'.

Main Results:

• SHED are easily accessible via noninvasive procedures.
• SHED exhibit multilineage differentiation potential (odontoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, neural cells) in vitro and in vivo.
• SHED show low immune rejection and stability after long-term cryopreservation.

Conclusions:

• SHED possess high proliferative capacity and multilineage differentiation potential.
• Easy access, noninvasiveness, and minimal ethical concerns make SHED valuable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• SHED are a promising source for cell-based therapies.