Cell biology of osteoimmunology.
Osteoimmunology is defined as the research area focusing on the crosstalk between the immune system and the muskoskeletal system. After nearly a decade of research, we are now beginning to understand the basic principles of this crosstalk. It seems that almost all immune cells are capable of communicating with osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and their respective progenitors - and vice versa. Diseases that fall into the category of osteoimmunology including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontal disease are of particular significance considering their implications in quality of life, their increased incidence in the population, and socioeconomic issues. To better understand the underlying pathogenesis, the main pathways of the crosstalk between the immune system and the muskoskeletal system need to be uncovered. Our current understanding has already provided the scientific basis for the development of targeted therapies. However, the challenge of future studies is to further decipher this crosstalk at cellular and molecular levels.
Gruber
Reinhard
R
Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, reinhard.gruber@meduniwien.ac.at
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D001847:Bone Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000276:immunology*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000276:immunology*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000276:immunology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000276:immunology; D053244:Osteoprotegerin / Q000502:physiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000276:immunology; D053245:RANK Ligand / Q000502:physiology; D053246:Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D053244:Osteoprotegerin; D053245:RANK Ligand; D053246:Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B; C505686:TNFRSF11A protein, human; C505688:TNFSF11 protein, human