Methods of forming, dissolving, and functionalizing an extracellular matrix gel on demand based on cross-linking, modification, and dissolution of hydrogels using transpeptidase (e.g. sortase) are disclosed. Also provided are hydrogels comprising one or more macromers crosslinked to a mixture of peptides, wherein all or a portion of the peptides in the mixture comprise a recognition motif cleavable by a transpeptidase (e.g., sortase).

The present invention relates to a targeting module comprising a chemically synthesized peptide binding moiety specific for a human cell surface protein or protein complex, a kit comprising the targeting module and a vector or a cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a universal chimeric antigen receptor and the use for the treatment of cancer, infections and autoimmune disorders.

Systems and methods for preparing a therapeutic protein solution, reducing its viscosity, and administering it to a subject are provided herein. Methods provided herein are particularly useful for preparing a therapeutically effective concentration of Neublastin for subject administration.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating disease-states associated with presence of increased number of ErbB4+ pro-inflammatory macrophages in a subject in need thereof. The methods include providing an activator of ErbB4 and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the activator to the subject. The compositions include an activator of ErbB4. In one embodiment, the activation of ErbB4 is Neuregulin-4.

Disclosed are the use of neuregulin proteins in preparing a medicine for preventing, treating or delaying preserved ejection fraction cardiac failure in mammals, and a method for using the medicine. Also provided in the present invention is a method for preventing, treating or delaying preserved ejection fraction cardiac failure in mammals, comprising using the medication containing the neuregulin proteins in a special population having the disease or being at risk of having the disease.

The present invention provides an application of neuregulin protein in the preparation of drugs for preventing, treating or delaying human heart failure, and a use method of the drugs for preventing, treating or delaying human heart failure. The method comprises: testing a patient first before treatment, the testing comprises detecting the plasma level of NT-proBNP or BNP; and then providing appropriate treatment on the basis of the test result. When the test result is within an optimal treatment range, the patient is suitable for the treatment of heart failure by administering an effective dose of neuregulin.

The disclosure provides compositions and methods for preventing, ameliorating a sign or symptom of, or treating peripheral nerve injury.

Composite nerve guides for nerve regeneration are provided, wherein the composite guide comprise a nerve graft and a nerve conduit continuing an active agent that promote axon regeneration. The devices can provide structural supports to guide nerve regeneration and locally deliver an active agent (e.g., glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and/or glial growth factor 2 (GGF2) to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Composite nerve guides for nerve regeneration are provided, wherein the composite guide comprise a nerve graft and a nerve conduit continuing an active agent that promote axon regeneration. The devices can provide structural supports to guide nerve regeneration and locally deliver an active agent (e.g., glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and/or glial growth factor 2 (GGF2) to injured nervous system tissue upon implantation in a subject. Methods of treatment using such devices are also provided.

Disclosed are uses of neuregulin in the preparation of medicines for preventing, treating or delaying ventricular arrhythmia of a human being, and pharmaceutical preparations that comprise the neuregulin and are used for preventing, treating or delaying the ventricular arrhythmia.