Harnessing dental stem cell-derived synovial cells for IBD therapy: dual modulation of gut immunity and crypt repair.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains a therapeutic challenge due to its chronic relapsing nature and limited long-term remission strategies. Here, we propose a therapy using stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs).

Methods

We evaluated SHEDs in murine colitis models (DSS/TNBS) and human IBD tissues. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and organoid cocultures were used to characterise SHED differentiation and therapeutic mechanisms.

Findings

SHEDs migrate to inflamed intestines, differentiate into TGM2⁺TFPI2⁺ quiescent fibroblast-like synovial cells (QFLSs) via a β-catenin-independent Wnt/JNK pathway, and significantly ameliorate colitis in preclinical models. Mechanistically, QFLSs exhibit dual therapeutic actio

SUBMITTER: Liu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12670579 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature