Resulting from bacterial infection, apical periodontitis (AP) is a common inflammatory disease of the periapical region of the tooth. The regeneration of the destroyed periapical alveolar bone and the surrounding periodontium tissues has long been a difficult task in clinical practice. These lesions are closely related to pathogen invasion and an overreactive immune response. It is worth noting that the protective healing process occurs simultaneously, in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a crucial function in mediating the immune system and promoting regeneration. Here, we review the recent studies related to AP, with a focus on the regulatory network of MSCs. We also discuss the potential therapeutic approaches of MSCs in inflammatory diseases to provide a basis for promoting tissue regeneration and modulating inflammation in AP. A deeper understanding of the protective action of MSCs and the regulatory networks will help to delineate the underlying mechanisms of AP and pave the way for stem-cell-based regenerative medicine in the future.
Keywords: dental stem cells; periapical inflammation; regenerative therapy; tissue regeneration.