Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by chronic synovial inflammation and osteoclast-mediated bone erosion. The mechanisms that promote disease resolution remain incompletely understood. Although eosinophils are traditionally viewed as effector cells of allergy and tissue damage, our work reveals that distinct eosinophil subsets can acquire pro-resolving functions in inflammatory arthritis. Using experimental arthritis models and human data, we show that regulatory eosinophils accumulate in the synovium, promote alternative macrophage activation, reduce inflammation and protect from bone loss. Mechanistically, eosinophil-derived peroxidase emerges as a key mediator linking eosinophils to macrophage reprogramming, efferocytosis and control of osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. These findings position eosinophils as unexpected architects of inflammatory resolution and bone protection.
About the speaker
Dr. Aline Bozec is an immunologist and osteoimmunologist whose research explores how immune cells shape bone destruction and tissue repair in chronic inflammatory diseases. After completing her PhD in Biochemistry at Claude Bernard University Lyon I, she trained at leading European institutes in Vienna and Madrid before joining FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg as an Emmy Noether group leader.
Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of inflammatory bone loss, rheumatoid arthritis and immune-mediated regulation of bone homeostasis. With more than 85 peer-reviewed publications and major funding from the ERC and DFG, Dr. Bozec has established an internationally recognized research program at the interface of immunology, autoimmunity and skeletal biology.
Beyond her research, she is actively involved in teaching, mentoring and international scientific societies. Her current work challenges classical views of immune cells in inflammation and aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to promote resolution and protect tissues from damage.
