Bone Metabolism and Inflammatory Immunity

Bone immunology focuses on the intricacies of how the immune system interacts with bone metabolism, particularly under inflammatory conditions. Immune cells release cytokines which crucially influence the balance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. In diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and RANKL boost osteoclast activity, culminating in joint destruction and systemic osteoporosis. Diseases like diabetes further complicate this interplay as chronic inflammation and high glucose levels compromise bone microstructures thereby increasing fracture risks. Evidence suggests that type 2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13 potentially offer protective effects by curbing inflammation and bone loss. Despite advancements, the challenge remains in managing inflammation’s repair-facilitating yet damage-inducing dual nature, and innovating personalized treatment plans. Understanding the immune-bone nexus is thus pivotal to novel therapeutic avenues in inflammatory bone disorders.

This Research Topic aims to investigate immune-stimulating factors in bone defect microenvironments, illuminate complex molecular dynamics within the immune-skeletal signaling network, and craft inventive treatment concepts to enhance bone regeneration and repair. The overarching goal is to develop transformative strategies for the clinical management of immune-related bone diseases by addressing these core objectives.

Delving into the broad field of bone immune-related diseases, our Research Topic encapsulates:

• Elaborating on the relevance and specific mechanisms: Examining interactions within the bone immune microenvironment between immune-stimulating factors, immune cells, and bone metabolic cells.

• Developing innovative treatment methodologies: Investigating therapeutic techniques targeting the immune microenvironment encompassing biomaterial applications, stem cell therapies, and the integration of targeted biological agents alongside nano-technology for drug delivery.