# Immunometabolic reprogramming in diabetic osteomyelitis: from mechanisms to therapeutics

**Authors:** Hui Zhang, Zi-Shan Fu, Ying Zhou, Song-Nan Wang, Si-Ying Ye, An-Na Wang, Jun-Tong Liu

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1606317 · Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology · 2025-10-24

## TL;DR

This review explores how immune and metabolic changes worsen bone infections in diabetes and suggests new treatment strategies.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive synthesis of immunometabolic reprogramming mechanisms in diabetic osteomyelitis and proposes novel therapeutic strategies.

## Key findings

- Immunometabolic reprogramming disrupts immune cell function in diabetic osteomyelitis.
- It modulates the local microenvironment, impairing bone repair processes.
- The review highlights gaps in understanding and proposes new intervention strategies.

## Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a globally prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by impaired immune function due to poor glycaemia control, significantly increasing the risk of osteomyelitis. The occurrence of bone infection not only compromises patients’ quality of life but also poses substantial challenges in clinical management. Recent studies have identified immunometabolic reprogramming as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic osteomyelitis. This reprogramming not only disrupts immune cell functionality but also modulates the local microenvironment, thereby impairing bone repair processes. Although preliminary research has explored the underlying mechanisms, a comprehensive understanding of the precise role of immunometabolic reprogramming and its potential therapeutic targeting in diabetic osteomyelitis remains elusive. This review synthesizes current advances in immunometabolic reprogramming within diabetic osteomyelitis, elucidates its biological mechanisms, and proposes novel intervention strategies to inform clinical practice and inspire future therapeutic development.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** diabetes mellitus (MONDO:0005015), osteomyelitis (MONDO:0005246)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** metabolic disorder (MESH:D008659), DM (MESH:D003920), infection (MESH:D007239), diabetic osteomyelitis (MESH:D010019)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592201/full.md

## References

186 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592201/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12592201