Immune cell 'messengers' could save crumbling bones - new hope for joint pain sufferers

(Press-News.org) A recent study has uncovered a potential breakthrough in treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), a debilitating bone disease that causes severe pain and joint collapse. Researchers have discovered that exosomes derived from M2 macrophages-derived exosomes (M2-Exos) can significantly improve bone regeneration by modulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and endothelial cell function. These tiny vesicles, packed with miR-93-5p, were shown to reduce harmful NETs formation and enhance blood vessel growth, offering a novel therapeutic approach. This discovery highlights the potential of M2-Exos to address the root causes of ONFH, paving the way for non-invasive treatments that could prevent bone deterioration and improve patient outcomes.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a progressive condition where bone tissue dies due to disrupted blood flow, often leading to joint collapse and requiring invasive surgeries like hip replacement. Current treatments primarily focus on symptom management but fail to halt the progression of the disease. Recent studies suggest that immune dysfunction, particularly the activation of neutrophils and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), plays a critical role in ONFH by damaging blood vessels and triggering bone cell death. Additionally, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) exacerbates tissue damage by impairing blood supply. Despite advances, the molecular mechanisms linking immune cells and bone degeneration remain unclear. Given these challenges, there is an urgent need for therapies that can disrupt NETs formation and restore vascular health in ONFH.

Published (DOI: 10.1038/s41413-025-00412-5) on April 1, 2025, in Bone Research, a study led by researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University School of Medicine reveals how M2 macrophages-derived exosomes (M2-Exos) can treat ONFH. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and animal models, the team demonstrated that M2-Exos deliver miR-93-5p, which suppresses NETs formation and reverses endothelial dysfunction. This study provides the first evidence of exosome-mediated communication between immune and bone cells, offering a promising strategy to combat osteonecrosis without invasive procedures.

The study's key findings reveal a promising therapeutic breakthrough for ONFH through the innovative use of M2-Exos. Using advanced single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers identified neutrophils as central players in ONFH progression, demonstrating how their formation of NETs contributes to vascular damage and bone cell death. The team made the remarkable discovery that M2-Exos, loaded with miR-93-5p, can effectively target and reduce harmful NETs formation by approximately 50% while simultaneously promoting angiogenesis through increased VEGFA expression. Through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including rat models of ONFH, the study showed these natural vesicles precisely home to damaged bone tissue, where they deliver their therapeutic payload, demonstrating a dual mechanism of action that addresses both immune dysfunction and vascular impairment underlying the disease. The team further validated these findings by developing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy to overexpress miR-93-5p, which replicated the beneficial effects seen with M2-Exos treatment. Notably, the treatment restored bone density, reduced empty osteocytic lacunae, and improved trabecular bone structure, offering compelling evidence for its potential clinical application. These results represent a significant advancement in understanding and potentially treating ONFH, providing a foundation for developing non-invasive therapies that could prevent disease progression and avoid the need for joint replacement surgery.

Dr. Pei Yang, co-corresponding author, stated, "Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized link between neutrophil NETs and bone necrosis. By harnessing M2-Exos, we've developed a precision tool to interrupt this vicious cycle. The ability of miR-93-5p to dual-target NETs and endothelial dysfunction could transform ONFH treatment paradigms." An independent expert not involved in the study added, "This work elegantly bridges immunology and orthopedics, offering a scalable solution for a disease with limited options."

This research opens avenues for exosome-based therapies in ONFH and other ischemic bone diseases. Clinically, M2-Exos could be administered via injection to halt early-stage osteonecrosis, delaying or avoiding joint replacement. Beyond ONFH, the miR-93-5p mechanism may apply to conditions like atherosclerosis or diabetic ulcers, where NETs and endothelial damage coexist. Challenges remain, such as optimizing exosome production and ensuring long-term safety. Future steps will include human trials and exploring synergies with existing drugs. If successful, this approach could shift treatment from surgical intervention to regenerative medicine, offering a new lease on life for millions of patients worldwide.

###

References

DOI

10.1038/s41413-025-00412-5

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41413-025-00412-5

Funding information

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.82272503) and Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (Grant No. LQN25H060006) as well as all individuals participating in this study.

About Bone Research

Bone Research was founded in 2013. As a new English-language periodical, Bone Research focuses on basic and clinical aspects of bone biology, pathophysiology and regeneration, and supports the foremost discoveries resulting from basic investigations and clinical research related to bone. The aim of the Journal is to foster the worldwide dissemination of research in bone-related physiology, pathology, diseases and treatment.

END