Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential uses in a variety of regenerative and immunotherapeutic applications. Their capacity for multilineage differentiation and immune modulation suggest an important role of MSCs in several medical fields. However, the local microenvironment, in addition to the source of the MSCs, can influence the cells' biological behaviour. Isolation of MSCs from specific tissue sources and stimulation of distinct cellular receptors through microenvironmental factors before or within the potential treatment procedures may assist as an effective step controlling the biological function of MSCs as needed in different stages of the desired therapy.

In recent years, MSCs derived from oral tissues as the gingiva, periodontal ligament, dental pulppulp, or alveolar bone proper have gained in popularity for tissue engineering and regenerative approaches. Ease of tissue isolation with minimally invasive procedures, low-populationlow population doubling times and high stemness and immunomodulatory properties of the cells make them a suitable candidate for different stem cell therapies.

The objective of this Method Collections is to share standardized protocols for isolation and characterization of oral-tissue derived MSCs and their potential priming by microenvironmental factors, produce scientific networks for research collaborations in this field and adding new knowledge that would allow an easier and more effective application of oral tissue-derived MSCs in vivo and in vitro.