Multitasking by the OC Lineage during Bone Infection: Bone Resorption, Immune Modulation, and Microbial Niche

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Orthopedics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bone infections, or osteomyelitis, involve inflammation, bone loss (osteolysis), and tissue death (necrosis).
• Osteoclasts (OCs) are key bone-resorbing cells that normally maintain skeletal health but increase activity during inflammation.
• Traditionally viewed as passive responders, OCs may actively influence infection progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted role of osteoclasts in bone infection.
• To explore the generation of OCs during infection and their interactions with pathogens and immune cells.
• To identify key unanswered questions in osteoclast involvement in osteomyelitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of host- and pathogen-derived factors influencing osteoclast generation in infection.
• Analysis of the crosstalk between osteoclasts and immune cells during bone infections.
• Examination of the role of osteoclast lineage cells in pathogen growth and survival.

Main Results:

• Osteoclast generation during infection is influenced by both host and pathogen factors.
• Significant crosstalk exists between osteoclasts and immune cells, impacting infection dynamics.
• Osteoclast lineage cells can support the growth and survival of infectious pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Osteoclasts are not merely effectors but active participants in bone infection pathogenesis.
• Understanding osteoclast-pathogen-immune cell interactions is crucial for developing new osteomyelitis treatments.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex role of osteoclasts in infectious osteomyelitis.