Research progress on the function of macrophages in regulation of skeletal system

Macrophages are important immune cells, which are present in nearly all tissues, and play important roles in the growth, maintenance and repair of bone tissue. Osteal macrophages is a subgroup, and it has been recently classifed as resident macrophages of bone, which can regulate bone formation and resorption. This review will summarize the research progress on the modulate activity of macrophages, especially the osteal macrophages on skeletal system.