The invention provides methods of making immune effector cells (for example, T cells, NK cells) that express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), and compositions generated by such methods.

Disclosed herein are peptide sequences capable of directing adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to target specific environments, for example the nervous system and the heart, in a subject. Also disclosed are AAVs having non-naturally occurring capsid proteins comprising the disclosed peptide sequences, and methods of using the AAVs to treat diseases.

Oligodendrocytes (OLs), the predominant cell type found in cerebral white matter, are essential for structural integrity and proper neural signaling. Very little is known concerning stroke-induced OL dysfunction. Infusion of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells protects striatal white matter tracts in vivo and directly protects mature primary OL cultures from oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Microarray studies of RNA prepared from OL cultures subjected to OGD and treated with HUCB cells showed an increase in the expression of 33 genes associated with OL proliferation, survival, and repair functions, such as myelination. Immunohistochemistry showed antioxidant protein expression was upregluated in the ipsilateral white matter tracts of rats infused with HUCB cells 48 hrs after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). These results show expression of genes induced by HUCB cell therapy that could confer oligoprotection from ischemia.

Oligodendrocytes (OLs), the predominant cell type found in cerebral white matter, are essential for structural integrity and proper neural signaling. Very little is known concerning stroke-induced OL dysfunction. Infusion of human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells protects striatal white matter tracts in vivo and directly protects mature primary OL cultures from oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Microarray studies of RNA prepared from OL cultures subjected to OGD and treated with HUCB cells showed an increase in the expression of 33 genes associated with OL proliferation, survival, and repair functions, such as myelination. Immunohistochemistry showed antioxidant protein expression was upregluated in the ipsilateral white matter tracts of rats infused with HUCB cells 48 hrs after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). These results show expression of genes induced by HUCB cell therapy that could confer oligoprotection from ischemia.

The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

The present disclosure includes methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders characterized by excessive or misregulated cellular proliferations, including methods for the treatment of tumors. The methods involve the use of pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a LIF preparation, a BMP preparation, a BMPR signalling activator, and a LIFR signalling activator. The disclosure also includes LIF preparations, BMP preparations, BMPR signalling activator, and LIFR signalling activators, and methods for the identification of LIF preparations, BMP preparations, BMPR signalling activator, and LIFR signalling activators. The disclosure also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a LIF preparation, a BMP preparation, a BMPR signalling activator, and a LIFR signalling activator.

Disclosed herein are peptide sequences capable of directing adeno-associated viruses (AAV) to target specific environments, for example the nervous system and the heart, in a subject. Also disclosed are AAVs having non-naturally occurring capsid proteins comprising the disclosed peptide sequences, and methods of using the AAVs to treat diseases.

A method of modulating transdifferentiation of chondrocytes to osteoblast includes administering to the chondrocytes an agent that modulates GP130 receptor signaling and expression of at least one of Sox2, Oct4, or Nanog of the chondrocytes.

Provided herein are methods of selective screening. In addition, various targeting proteins and sequences, as well as methods of their use, are also provided.

Compositions and methods for promoting angiogenesis in the eye with IL-6 family proteins, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) are provided.