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Current Osteoporosis Reports
Published in: Current Osteoporosis Reports 1/2020

01-02-2020 | Osteoimmunology (M Nakamura and J Lorenzo, Section Editors)

The Effects of Sclerostin on the Immune System

Authors: Cristine Donham, Jennifer O. Manilay

Published in: Current Osteoporosis Reports | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

We reviewed recent progress on the role of sclerostin (SOST) and its effects on the immune system in order to summarize the current state of knowledge in osteoimmunology, in regard to hematopoiesis, lymphopoiesis, and inflammation.

Recent Findings

Changes in sclerostin levels affect distinct niches within the bone marrow that support hematopoietic stem cells and B cell development. Sclerostin’s regulation of adipogenesis could also be important for immune cell maintenance with age. Surprisingly, B cell development in the bone marrow is influenced by Sost produced by mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, but not by osteocytes. Additionally, extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleen and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the bone marrow are observed in global Sost−/− mice.

Summary

In addition to changes in bone marrow density, sclerostin depletion affects B lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis, as well as other changes within the bone marrow cavity that could affect hematopoiesis. It is therefore important to monitor for hematopoietic changes in patients receiving sclerostin-depleting therapies.
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Metadata
Title
The Effects of Sclerostin on the Immune System
Authors
Cristine Donham
Jennifer O. Manilay
Publication date
01-02-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Osteoporosis Reports / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1544-1873
Electronic ISSN: 1544-2241
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-020-00563-w

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