M2 macrophages-derived exosomes regulate osteoclast differentiation by the CSF2/TNF-[alpha] axis

Background Osteoclast-mediated bone resorption cause bone loss in several bone diseases. Exosomes have been reported to regulate osteoclast differentiation. M2-polarized macrophages exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to explore the effect of exosomes from M2 polarized macrophages (M2-exos) on osteoclastogenesis and molecular mechanisms. Methods M2-exos were isolated from IL-4-induced Raw264.7 cells (M2 macrophages) and used to treat osteoclasts (RANKL-induced Raw264.7 cells). Osteoclast differentiation was visualized using tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was conducted to measure the levels of osteoclastogenesis-related genes. The underlying mechanisms of M2-exos were evaluated using qPCR and western blotting. Results M2-exos suppressed osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL. Additionally, CSF2 was highly expressed in M2 macrophages, and knockdown of CSF2 further enhanced the effects of M2-exos on osteoclast differentiation. Moreover, CSF2 positively regulated TNF-[alpha] signaling, which inhibition promoted differentiation of M2-exo-treated osteoclasts. Conclusion M2-exos inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by downregulating the CSF2 expression through inactivating the TNF-[alpha] signaling, suggesting the potential application of exosomes in bone disease therapy. Keywords: Exosomes, M2 macrophages, Osteoclast differentiation, CSF2, TNF-[alpha]