Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Ameliorate Autistic-Like Behaviors of SHANK3 Mutant Beagle Dogs.

Researchers tested a stem cell treatment using baby teeth stem cells in dogs with autism-like behaviors caused by a genetic mutation. Six dogs received the treatment while six didn't. The treated dogs showed better social behaviors and less stress. Their immune system markers also improved. No serious side effects occurred. This early research suggests this stem cell approach might help people with autism, but human studies are needed.

This study investigated stem cell therapy using stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs, an animal model for autism spectrum disorders. Twelve dogs were randomly divided into two groups, with six receiving intravenous SHED infusions over 3 months. Results showed significant improvements in social novel preference and some social behaviors (following, sniffing, licking) with humans. Stressed tail posture indicating social stress was reduced.

The treatment normalized altered levels of inflammatory cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin-10. No serious adverse events were observed. The findings suggest SHED therapy may be safe and effective for ASD, with cytokine levels potentially serving as biomarkers for severity and treatment response.

This preclinical study provides preliminary evidence for SHED therapy's potential in autism treatment through immune modulation. The identification of cytokine biomarkers may assist future treatment monitoring. However, extensive human trials are required before clinical application, given this is animal model research.

Small sample size (n=12 dogs total, 6 per group), animal model study limiting direct human applicability, short 3-month follow-up period, unclear randomization methodology, and lack of detailed behavioral assessment protocols.

Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a great potential approach to treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), holding earlier developing characteristics, have immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. To investigate whether SHED transplantation can rescue autistic-like symptoms in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs, 12 SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to their behavior evaluated by social interaction tests. Six mutant dogs received 6 intravenous infusions of SHED and were followed up for 3 months by testing social interaction and inflammatory cytokine levels.

We found that infusion of SHED significantly improved impaired social novel preference of SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Social intimacies (following, sniffing, and licking) between mutant beagle dogs and human experimenters were partly improved. Stressed tail posture, indicating social stress, was also significantly alleviated. In addition, we showed that the levels of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-10 were notably increased and decreased, respectively, in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs.

Infusion of SHED was able to rescue altered interferon-γ and interleukin-10 levels. We failed to observe any serious adverse events after infusion of SHED. In summary, SHED transplantation may be a safe and effective therapy for ASD. The correction in the levels of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-10 may serve as an index to predict autistic severity and therapeutic outcomes.