Dental Pulp Stem Cells Derived from Wisdom Teeth as Multitarget Biological Modulators of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanistic Insight and Translational Perspective

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 02 | Page : 7 28
By

Navitha G. A.,

Likitha K.,

Muchukota Sushma,

Choppara Eashwari,

  1. Pharm.D Student, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research (ABIPER), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Pharm.D Student, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research (ABIPER), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Aditya Bangalore Institute of Pharmacy Education & Research (ABIPER), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. Senior Manager, Insurance, TATA AIG, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorders with complex pathogenic pathways such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic degeneration, and reduced neurotrophic signalling. Despite the large amount of research, the pharmacological treatments in use offer only symptomatic relief and cannot significantly prevent or slow down disease progression sufficiently; new pathogenetic treatment strategies are necessary. In recent years, stem cell-based approaches have gained interest as potential therapeutic options; nevertheless, there is increasing evidence suggesting that most of their effects are mediated more through paracrine, immunomodulatory, and neurotrophic actions than by actual neuronal replacement. Stem cells isolated from the dental pulp of extracted third molars (from wisdom teeth) are an easily accessible source of stem cells that can be collected in an ethically non-controversial manner. Because of their neural crest derivation, Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) inherently are neurocompatible and possess a significant immunomodulatory capacity, coupled with powerful secretion of neurotrophic and angiogenic factors. This review gives an updated and critical insight into the therapeutic application of wisdom tooth-derived DPSCs for the treatment of AD and PD. The attention is addressed to their multitarget biological properties, involving the moderation of neuroinflammation, synaptic function maintenance, mitochondrial homeostasis strengthening and the neural microenvironment reconstitution. The novel therapeutic ischemic potential of DPSCs secretome based on its exosomes is also outlined, with emphasis on their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, low immunogenicity and safety profile. Comparative analysis with other sources of stem cells, including BM–MSCs, neural stem cells (NSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), illuminates the neurobiological relevance and clinical feasibility related to translational exploitation of DPSC. In conclusion, this review places wisdom teeth-derived DPSCs as a potential regenerative and disease-modifying agent against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neuroprotection, and supporting neuronal repair, including the existing challenges and future research prospects.

Keywords: Dental pulp stem cells, Wisdom teeth, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, neuroregeneration, exosomes, neuroinflammation

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry ]

How to cite this article: Navitha G. A., Likitha K., Muchukota Sushma, Choppara Eashwari. Dental Pulp Stem Cells Derived from Wisdom Teeth as Multitarget Biological Modulators of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanistic Insight and Translational Perspective. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2026; 17(02):7-28.
How to cite this URL: Navitha G. A., Likitha K., Muchukota Sushma, Choppara Eashwari. Dental Pulp Stem Cells Derived from Wisdom Teeth as Multitarget Biological Modulators of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanistic Insight and Translational Perspective. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2026; 17(02):7-28. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjod/article=2026/view=253179

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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 17
Issue 02
Received 02/07/2026
Accepted 12/07/2026
Published 24/08/2026
Publication Time 53 Days

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