About this Research Topic
Nowhere in the body are bony structures in closer proximity to a hostile environment than in the oral cavity. However, the pathological processes of maxillofacial bones are rare. The underlying reasons for this resilience are sophisticated osteoimmunologic processes which are conveyed by humoral and cellular immunologic activity, variations of the bone metabolism, and the endocrinologic system. Genetic predisposition, special host response characteristics, underlying systemic diseases, endocrinologic disorders, iatrogenic interventions, pathogens, and many other factors can alter the immunologic processes of the maxillofacial bones.
One explanation for the diversity of osteoimmunology is RANK-L (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand) which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family and conveys pleiotropic effects. It can be secreted by various cell types such as osteocytes, osteoblasts, T- and B- cells, and promote the maturation, differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts. Both RANK-L and its receptor (RANK) can be secreted or membrane-bound and exert opposing effects which can be altered by mediators. The bone metabolism and immunologic processes with oral and maxillofacial bones are intertwined. Almost all physiologic and pathologic processes within the maxillofacial bones are dependent on different cellular and humoral mechanisms. The myriad of different pathological entities, the proximity of the periodontal apparatus which is a direct link to a hostile environment, and the complexity of bone homeostasis make this field of research extremely complex.
The aim of this Research Topic is to expand our knowledge in this still enigmatic and often overseen field of research by assembling topical, evidence-oriented collection of research articles exploring all aspects of immunological processes in maxillofacial bone pathology. Genetic, biochemical, microbiological, pharmacological and clinical aspects shall be considered. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Systematic Reviews, and Case Report articles that explore all aspects of etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of maxillofacial bone pathology with special focus on immunology-associated pathological processes.
One explanation for the diversity of osteoimmunology is RANK-L (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand) which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family and conveys pleiotropic effects. It can be secreted by various cell types such as osteocytes, osteoblasts, T- and B- cells, and promote the maturation, differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts. Both RANK-L and its receptor (RANK) can be secreted or membrane-bound and exert opposing effects which can be altered by mediators. The bone metabolism and immunologic processes with oral and maxillofacial bones are intertwined. Almost all physiologic and pathologic processes within the maxillofacial bones are dependent on different cellular and humoral mechanisms. The myriad of different pathological entities, the proximity of the periodontal apparatus which is a direct link to a hostile environment, and the complexity of bone homeostasis make this field of research extremely complex.
The aim of this Research Topic is to expand our knowledge in this still enigmatic and often overseen field of research by assembling topical, evidence-oriented collection of research articles exploring all aspects of immunological processes in maxillofacial bone pathology. Genetic, biochemical, microbiological, pharmacological and clinical aspects shall be considered. We welcome the submission of Original Research, Systematic Reviews, and Case Report articles that explore all aspects of etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of maxillofacial bone pathology with special focus on immunology-associated pathological processes.
Keywords: maxillofacial bone pathology osteomyelitis, antiresorptive drugs, ostitis, bone immunology, osteomyelitis
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