Immunotherapy in the management of inflammatory bone loss in osteoporosis.

Abstract

Osteoporosis, a progressive skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mass and increased fracture risk, has traditionally been treated with pharmacological agents targeting bone remodeling. However, emerging research highlights the critical role of immune system in regulating bone metabolism, introducing the concept of Osteoimmunology. Chronic low-grade inflammation is now recognized as a significant contributor to osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, and their secreted cytokines directly influence bone resorption and formation, tipping the balance toward net bone loss in inflammatory environments. Immunotherapy, a treatment modality traditionally associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases, is now gaining attention in the management of osteoporosis. By targeting immune dysregulation and reducing inflammatory bone loss, immunotherapies offer a novel approach to treating osteoporosis that goes beyond merely inhibiting bone resorption or promoting bone formation. This therapeutic strategy includes monoclonal antibodies targeting inflammatory cytokines, cell-based therapies to enhance the function of regulatory T and B cells, and interventions aimed at modulating immune pathways linked to bone health. This chapter reviews the emerging role of immunotherapy in addressing inflammatory bone loss in osteoporosis. Present chapter also explores the underlying immune mechanisms contributing to bone degradation, current immunotherapeutic strategies under investigation, and the potential of these approaches to revolutionize the management of osteoporosis.