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Current Osteoporosis Reports
Published in: Current Osteoporosis Reports 2/2018

Open Access 01-04-2018 | Orthopedic Management of Fractures (S Bukata and L Gerstenfeld, Section Editors)

The Role of the Immune Cells in Fracture Healing

Published in: Current Osteoporosis Reports | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of review

Bone fracture healing is a complex physiological process relying on numerous cell types and signals. Inflammatory factors secreted by immune cells help to control recruitment, proliferation, differentiation, and activation of hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells. Within this review we will discuss the functional role of immune cells as it pertains to bone fracture healing. In doing so, we will outline the cytokines secreted and their effects within the healing fracture callus.

Recent findings

Macrophages have been found to play an important role in fracture healing. These immune cells signal to other cells of the fracture callus, modulating bone healing.

Summary

Cytokines and cellular signals within fracture healing continue to be studied. The findings from this work have helped to reinforce the importance of osteoimmunity in bone fracture healing. Owing to these efforts, immunomodulation is emerging as a potential therapeutic target to improve bone fracture healing.
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Metadata
Title
The Role of the Immune Cells in Fracture Healing
Publication date
01-04-2018
Published in
Current Osteoporosis Reports / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1544-1873
Electronic ISSN: 1544-2241
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-018-0423-2

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