Role of bone marrow macrophages in controlling homeostasis and repair in bone and bone marrow niches

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2017 Jan:61:12-21. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.009. Epub 2016 Aug 10.

Abstract

Macrophages, named for their phagocytic ability, participate in homeostasis, tissue regeneration and inflammatory responses. Bone and adjacent marrow contain multiple functionally unique resident tissue macrophage subsets which maintain and regulate anatomically distinct niche environments within these interconnected tissues. Three subsets of bone-bone marrow resident tissue macrophages have been characterised; erythroblastic island macrophages, haematopoietic stem cell niche macrophages and osteal macrophages. The role of these macrophages in controlling homeostasis and repair in bone and bone marrow niches is reviewed in detail.

Keywords: Bone and bone marrow; Haematopoiesis; Macrophages; Stem cell niches.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow / pathology*
  • Bone and Bones / pathology*
  • Homeostasis*
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Stem Cell Niche*
  • Wound Healing*