Both bone tumors and bone infections can lead to bone destruction, resulting in high rates of disability and mortality in clinical settings. Due to the striking similarity of their features in radiological and serological examinations, the differential diagnosis between these two entities poses a significant challenge in clinical practice. Distinct variations exist in the pathophysiological processes and host immune responses between these two diseases, thereby necessitating markedly different therapeutic strategies.

Bone infection, known as osteomyelitis, refers to the invasion of bone tissue by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms, provoking an inflammatory response. Common pathogenic microorganisms include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, and other bacteria. Sources of bone infection may arise from hematogenous spread, trauma, surgical procedures, or extension from adjacent tissue infections.

Bone infections and tumors share certain commonalities in terms of immune response and microenvironment. Bone infections are often characterized by compromised immune surveillance and attenuated immune defenses in the affected region, perpetuating persistent infection and challenging treatment. As an infectious condition, the immune system plays a pivotal role in thwarting pathogenic incursions. Typically involving infiltration of inflammatory cells and release of proinflammatory cytokines, immune responses are mobilized to combat infection. In contrast, bone tumors are generally not concomitant with infectious diseases but are engendered by aberrant cellular growth and division. In malignancies such as osteosarcoma, the immune system might be suppressed due to aberrant tumor cell proliferation, rendering the body less capable of recognizing and combating tumor cells. Immunotherapy might emerge as a research avenue in certain malignancies to enhance the immune response against tumors.

To facilitate differentiation and advance therapeutic interventions, a critical need in this area of study is the comparative analysis of immune response discrepancies between bone infections and tumors. Elucidating variations in immune cell composition, cytokine signaling pathways, immune checkpoint regulations, and other immunoregulatory factors can provide profound insights into the distinct pathophysiological processes underlying these diseases. Furthermore, investigating the interplay between infectious factors and tumor cells within the bone microenvironment may offer valuable insights for concurrent therapeutic interventions targeting both conditions.

This Research Topic aims to explore the contrasting immune landscapes in bone infections and tumors to deepen our understanding of their pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic strategies. By investigating the intricate interplay between the immune system and these two distinct pathologies, we seek to uncover novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and treatment approaches that can be harnessed to improve patient outcomes.

We invite contributions that delve into various aspects of bone infections and tumor immunology, with a particular focus on their differences. Submissions of Original Research and Review articles are welcome. Potential themes for this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
1. Characterization of immune cell populations in bone infections and bone tumors.
2. Immune checkpoint expression and regulation in bone-related pathologies.
3. Immune evasion mechanisms employed by infectious agents and tumor cells in bone.
4. Microenvironmental factors influencing immune responses in bone infections and tumors.
5. Novel immunotherapeutic approaches for targeting bone infections and tumors simultaneously.
6. Preclinical and clinical studies evaluating immune-based therapies in bone-related diseases.
7. Biomarkers for predicting disease progression and treatment response in bone infections and tumors.
8. Imaging techniques to visualize immune responses in the bone microenvironment.
9. Therapeutic strategies to enhance immune responses against infections and tumors in bone.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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