Cross-talk between biometal ions and immune cells for bone repair

•The interplay between bioactive factors, bone-related cells, and immune system involved in bone repair continues to be of great scientific interest in the field of bone tissue regeneration.•In this review, the physicochemical and physiological properties, immunomodulation, and osteoregulation of bio-metal ions are highlighted.•We provide an overview of the interaction between bio-metal ions, immune cells, and bone tissue.