Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment and prevention of type I diabetes. More specifically, the invention relates to compounds that treat or prevent the body's immune system from destroying ?-cells (i.e., insulin-producing cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans) by inhibition of JNK2, selective inhibition of JNK2, or inhibition of the expression of the MAPK9 gene or gene product. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates the diagnosis, identification, production, and use of compounds which modulate MAPK9 gene expression or the activity of the MAPK9 gene product including but not limited to, JNK2, the nucleic acid encoding MAPK9 and homologues, analogues, and deletions thereof, as well as antisense, ribozyme, triple helix, antibody, and polypeptide molecules as well as small inorganic molecules. The present invention contemplates a variety of pharmaceutical formulations and routes of administration for such compounds.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for homing hematopoietic stem cells to bone marrow stromal cells in a host. The method comprises, administering to the host genetically-engineered hematopoietic stem cells capable of expressing a first member of a ligand-receptor binding pair. The stem cells are administered to the host under conditions whereby binding of the first member of the ligand-receptor binding pair to the second member of the ligand-receptor binding pair, present on stromal cells, occurs thereby homing the stem cells to the stromal cells. This method is useful for transplanting bone marrow in a host or in treating a host afflicted with a disease associated with a disorder of the bone marrow.