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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

A Novel in vivo Gene Transfer Technique and in vitro Cell Based Assays for the Study of Bone Loss in Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Targeting innate immunity to modulate bone metabolism: a novel strategy for osteoporosis treatment

Wenjie Kou1, Xiaomin Lu1, Zhe Zhang1

  • 1Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.

Frontiers in Aging
|April 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Osteoporosis involves an immune system imbalance affecting bone health. This review explores innate immunity

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Bone Biology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disorder with reduced bone mass and impaired microarchitecture.
  • Pathological mechanisms involve an imbalance between bone formation and resorption.
  • Current therapies for OP have limited efficacy and safety concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the role of the innate immune system in regulating bone homeostasis in osteoporosis.
  • To examine emerging pathways and therapeutic strategies targeting immune dysregulation in OP.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review.
  • Analysis of intercellular interactions, cytokine networks, and metabolic reprogramming in innate immune cells.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies including immunometabolic modulators and complement antagonists.

Main Results:

  • Innate immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, NK cells, DCs) and the complement system significantly influence bone homeostasis.
  • Emerging pathways like trained immunity and mitochondrial symbiosis disruption are implicated in OP.
  • Various therapeutic strategies targeting immune pathways show promise.

Conclusions:

  • The innate immune system plays a critical role in osteoporosis pathogenesis.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies targeting immunometabolism and specific immune pathways offer potential for improved OP treatment.
  • Further research is needed for clinical translation and target specificity.
Keywords:
bone metabolismcomplement systeminnate immunitymacrophagesosteoporosistargeted therapytrained immunity

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