Emerging Roles of Eosinophils in Bone

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleInvitedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Eosinophils are traditionally known for their role in immune defense against parasites and their involvement in various immunopathologies, including eosinophilic airway diseases, eosinophilic dermatoses, and gastrointestinal disorders. However, recent findings from our group and other leading laboratories have broadened this perspective, revealing that eosinophils also play crucial roles in tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. This review aims to highlight the regulatory functions of eosinophils within the bone niche and emphasize the importance of further research into their role in bone biology.

RECENT FINDINGS: Growing evidence suggests that eosinophils are key regulators of bone metabolism, extending beyond their established roles in immunity and inflammation. They contribute to bone homeostasis by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, helping to prevent excessive bone resorption in osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis. Additionally, eosinophils may promote osteoblast-mediated bone formation, modulate the mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cell niche, and contribute to the bone microenvironment by affecting vascularization and extracellular matrix composition. However, their impact may vary under pathological conditions. Patients with eosinophilic disorders are often at an increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures, though this is largely attributed to disease-related treatments rather than eosinophil activity itself. Despite emerging insights into the role of eosinophils in bone biology, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Further research is essential to elucidate how eosinophils influence bone physiology and pathology.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number17
JournalCurrent osteoporosis reports
Volume23
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 4 Apr 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMedCentral PMC11971228
Scopus 105002722728

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Bone and Bones/metabolism, Osteogenesis/physiology, Homeostasis, Cell Differentiation, Osteoblasts/physiology, Eosinophils/physiology, Bone Resorption/immunology, Osteoclasts/physiology, Osteoporosis/immunology