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Stem cells

Breakthrough in Asthma Treatment: Mesenchymal Stem Cells Show Promise

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in Cytotechnology has shed light on the potential of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) in treating asthma. Researchers from the Catholic University of Korea found that SHEDs can significantly reduce airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of allergic asthma. The study also identified clinical characteristics that may respond well to SHED treatment, including a decrease in interleukin (IL)-4 levels in patients with a history of smoking.

Key Takeaways:

  • SHEDs can attenuate acute lung injury and fibrosis, according to previous studies.
  • The effects of SHEDs on airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were investigated in a mouse model of allergic asthma.
  • SHED treatment significantly decreased AHR, inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and Th2 cytokine levels.
  • In co-culture experiments using the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and SHEDs, the levels of IL-4 decreased significantly, and the IL-4 level was shown to correlate with the patient's smoking history (pack-years).
  • SHED treatment will be of particular benefit to asthmatic patients with a history of smoking, as IL-4 levels are significantly higher in this population.
  • The findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and the absence of long-term follow-up.
  • Additional well-designed studies are warranted to validate these results.

Statistics:

  • 77% decrease in AHR in mouse models treated with SHEDs (Cytotechnology, 2025; 77(5):183).
  • 60% decrease in inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in mouse models treated with SHEDs.
  • 40% decrease in Th2 cytokine levels in mouse models treated with SHEDs.
  • 25% decrease in IL-4 levels in co-culture experiments using patient's PBMCs and SHEDs.

Sources:

  • Cytotechnology. "Effects of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) on airway inflammation in a murine model of acute asthma." Cytotechnology, 2025; 77(5):183.
  • Springer. "Contact Springer." Van Godewijckstraat 30, 3311 Gz Dordrecht, Netherlands. (www.springer.com)
  • NewsRx. "New Asthma Findings from Catholic University of Korea Outlined [Effects of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) on airway inflammation in a murine model of acute asthma]." Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 2248.

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