Schwann cell-derived exosomes accelerate periodontal bone regeneration with osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis

J Mater Chem B. 2025 Mar 20;13(12):4020-4029. doi: 10.1039/d4tb02601b.

Abstract

Severe periodontitis frequently leads to irreversible degradation of alveolar bone. Periodontal regeneration techniques hold immense potential in reconstructing alveolar bone post periodontal diseases. Schwann cells (SCs) play a critical role in supporting, maintaining, and regenerating periodontal tissues, with SC-derived exosomes (SC-EXO) exhibiting cell homing and tissue repair capabilities. Nevertheless, the specific role of SC-EXO in periodontal bone regeneration remains unknown. To address the issue, we treated human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) with SC-EXO and observed a notable increase in cell proliferation, and osteogenic and neurogenic differentiation. Moreover, SC-EXO stimulated the expression of angiogenic factors in vascular endothelial cells. In a rat model of periodontal bone defects, SC-EXO facilitated the recruitment of endogenous cells, regulated neural and vascular neogenesis, and accelerated periodontal bone regeneration. This study successfully prepared SC-EXO, which effectively promotes periodontal bone regeneration by regulating the bone healing microenvironment, potentially offering a valuable strategy for periodontal tissue engineering.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis
  • Animals
  • Bone Regeneration*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Exosomes* / chemistry
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic* / drug effects
  • Neurogenesis* / drug effects
  • Osteogenesis* / drug effects
  • Periodontal Ligament / cytology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Schwann Cells* / cytology
  • Schwann Cells* / metabolism