eLife: Common osteoporosis drug boosts immune response in lungs

Researchers at the Garvan Institute for Medical Research have discovered that a common osteoporosis treatment boosts immune cells in the lungs, one of the first lines of defense against pathogens

In experimental models, bisphosphonate treatment stimulated a stronger response of lung macrophages to immune challenge

"Bisphosphonates are a safe and effective treatment for osteoporosis and have been standard of care to prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures since the 1990s," said senior author Professor Mike Rogers, senior author of the study.

"We found that this therapy also has a potential benefit -- it boosts the immune function of lung cells, which can prevent respiratory infections and pneumonia

Boost the immune system

Respiratory infections, such as acute pneumonia, are the leading cause of death from infections worldwide

"Previous clinical trials have shown that bisphosphonate treatment is beneficial in preventing pneumonia," said Dr.

The researchers administered a bisphosphonate called zoledronic acid to mouse models and tracked how the drug entered different cells

Dr Muñoz said: "Previously it was thought that bisphosphonates only work in the bones, but we found that they are taken up by macrophages in the lungs, which are 'first responder' cells that can The immune response recognizes, engulfs and destroys pathogens

The team then tested their immune response by exposing their model to lipopolysaccharide, a molecule found on the surface of bacteria that is often used to assess responses to infections

"In bone, bisphosphonates prevent bone loss by blocking an enzyme needed by specialized cells that break down bone," said doctoral student Emma Fletcher, the paper's second author

potential health effects

"Macrophages are the first line of defence against infection," Professor Rogers said

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"This makes possible additional benefits for a large number of individuals," added Professor Rogers