The Intersection of Immune Biology, Mechanobiology, and Bone Regeneration
Abstract
Complex musculoskeletal trauma with injury to bone and soft tissue is associated with high complication rates and poor functional recovery. Advances in biomaterials-mediated delivery strategies have shown promise for promoting functional regeneration. However, the response to advanced treatments remains variable with nonresponding patients suffering prolonged pain and disability. There is increasing recognition that patient-specific immune responses and the local mechanical environment can potently affect the efficacy of advanced regenerative therapies. Our lab has identified systemic immune response biomarkers to predict patient outcomes as well as time-dependent windows of local mechanical signals that promote vascular bone regeneration. This presentation will review our recent work, including efforts to apply our findings to develop new therapeutic intervention strategies.
Learning Objectives
1). Understand the effects of local mechanical loading on bone healing
2). Learn how immune responses correlate with bone healing outcomes
3). Appreciate how the interactions of immune biology, mechanobiology, and bone regeneration can suggest new therapeutic strategies