Animal Models for Stem Cell-Based Pulp Regeneration: Foundation for Human Clinical Applications

Rapid progress has been made in the last decade related to stem cell-mediated pulp–dentin regeneration, from characterization of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to the first-ever reported clinical case in humans. However, many challenges still need to be addressed before such technology can become a common clinical practice; therefore, further rigorous research is needed. Animal study models are very important to test new ideas, concepts, and technologies. This review summarizes and discusses several key animal models that have been utilized to investigate pulp–dentin regeneration. From a tissue regeneration perspective, we categorize the animal model by the location where the regenerated pulp tissue is formed: ectopic, semiorthotopic, and orthotopic. Several animal species are discussed, including mouse, ferret, dog, and miniswine. Mouse is used for ectopic pulp–dentin regeneration in the dorsum subcutaneous space. A commonly tested approach is hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA-TCP) granules model used to observe ectopic pulp–dentin complex formation. The semiorthotopic model includes tooth slices or fragments with which de novo pulp regeneration in a root canal space can be tested in the mouse subcutaneous space. For orthotopic pulp regeneration, the canine teeth of ferrets are large enough for such purposes. As nonprimate large animal models, dog and miniswine teeth have many aspects quite similar to those of humans, allowing researchers to perform experiments that mimic clinical conditions in humans. The protocols established and the data obtained from large animal studies may directly relate to and apply to future human studies. Complete orthotopic pulp regeneration has been demonstrated in dogs and miniswine. The use of allogeneic and subpopulations of DPSCs for pulp regeneration, and testing of the periapical disease model and aging model have been performed in miniswine or dogs. In sum, all these animal models will help address challenges that still face pulp regeneration in humans. We need to thoroughly utilize these models to test new ideas, technologies, and strategies before reliable and predictable clinical protocols can be established for human clinical trials or treatment. IMPACT STATEMENT: Animal models are essential for tissue regeneration studies. This review summarizes and discusses the small and large animal models, including mouse, ferret, dog, and miniswine that have been utilized to experiment and to demonstrate stem cell-mediated dental pulp tissue regeneration. We describe the models based on the location where the tissue regeneration is tested—either ectopic, semiorthotopic, or orthotopic. Developing and utilizing optimal animal models for both mechanistic and translational studies of pulp regeneration are of critical importance to advance this field.