Use of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells for tissue engineering of periodontium regeneration

To achieve complete periodontium regeneration, it is necessary to recapitulate the process of embryogenesis and morphogenesis involved in the formation of the tissue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells on inducing formation of de novo cementum in vivo. Immortomouse-derived HERS/nBg cells were delivered to a modified periodontal fenestration defect model in the maxilla of 23 Wistar rats to accomplish a split mouth controlled design. Maxillas were processed for histological examination at different time frame up to one month. Although not conclusive, this pilot study reveals a potential healing ability of the HERS group and suggests that HERS cells might induce formation of a layer of acellular cementum-like tissue and might help regeneration of the surrounding periodontal tissues.