Recent progress in intervertebral disc immune responses and therapeutic strategies
10.3760/cma.j.cn121113-20241023-00583
- VernacularTitle:椎间盘的免疫反应及治疗的研究进展
- Author:
Kuaixiang ZHANG
1
;
Man LIU
;
Jingbo YI
;
Wenrui ZHANG
;
Feifei PU
;
Jitian LI
Author Information
1. 河南省洛阳正骨医院（河南省骨科医院）分子生物学实验室，郑州 450000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Intervertebral disc degeneration;
Immunity, cellular;
Immune privilege;
Inflammation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2025;45(7):446-453
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
The intervertebral disc is a complex structure composed of the central nucleus pulposus, the peripheral annulus fibrosus, and the cartilaginous endplates located at the top and bottom. This unique arrangement effectively isolates the nucleus pulposus from the host’s immune system. Additionally, specific substances within the intervertebral disc exhibit inhibitory effects on the infiltration of immune cells and cytokines, which has led to the recognition of the intervertebral disc as an immune-privileged tissue. However, during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), the physical barriers that maintain this immune privilege are compromised. As a result, the nucleus pulposus may be perceived as a foreign antigen by the immune system. Simultaneously, inflammatory cytokines released by the degenerating disc attract a significant influx of immune cells, disrupting the delicate immunological balance within the nucleus pulposus and exacerbating the progression of IDD. Recent studies have confirmed the infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and mast cells into the degenerative intervertebral disc, and the phenotypic characteristics and quantitative changes of these immune cells are closely related to the process of IDD. In terms of treatment strategies, biological agents such as mesenchymal stem cell therapy, gene therapy and growth factors that regulate the immune microenvironment of degenerative intervertebral discs have entered the stage of animal experiments. At the same time, small molecule drugs have shown unique regulatory potential in restoring the immune-privileged status of intervertebral discs.
