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Macrophage-MSCs Interplay in Orthodontic Bone Remodelling: Mechanics-Immunity-Stem Cell Axis
Mingzhu Chen1, Yanjie Li1, Jiangtian Hu1
1Department of Orthodontics, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
International Dental Journal
|May 9, 2026
Summary
Macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) regulate bone remodelling during orthodontic treatment via the mechanics-immunity-stem cell axis. Understanding their crosstalk under mechanical force is key to accelerating bone repair and improving treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Immunology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Bone remodelling during orthodontic treatment involves complex interactions between immune cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
- Mechanical forces influence macrophage polarization, a critical process in regulating the inflammatory and regenerative microenvironment.
- The interplay between macrophages and MSCs forms a positive feedback loop for inflammation resolution and bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanics-immunity-stem cell axis regulating bone remodelling in orthodontics.
- To understand the role of macrophage polarization and MSCs in response to mechanical stimuli.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for accelerating orthodontic bone remodelling.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the role of mechanical forces and mechanosensors like Piezo1 in macrophage polarization.
- Examined the influence of MSC-derived exosomes and cytokines on macrophage phenotype.
- Analyzed the crosstalk among key signalling pathways: Wnt/β-catenin, RANKL/RANK, and PI3K-Akt.
Main Results:
- Mechanical forces drive macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype via mechanosensors.
- MSCs induce macrophage polarization, creating a positive feedback loop for bone regeneration.
- Key signalling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, RANKL/RANK, PI3K-Akt) orchestrate bone remodelling and immune cell behaviour.
Conclusions:
- The mechanics-immunity-stem cell axis is crucial for dynamic bone remodelling in orthodontics.
- Targeting the crosstalk between macrophages and MSCs offers a promising strategy for adjunctive orthodontic therapies.
- Optimizing this interaction axis can accelerate bone remodelling and enhance orthodontic treatment efficiency.
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