Abstract: The present invention includes a functionalized nerve guidance conduit (NGC), methods of making neurotrophic factor-expressing neural crest stem-like cells (NCSC) and/or Schwann cell precursor-like (SCP) cells, methods of making the functionalized nerve guidance conduit, and methods of treating nerve injury using the functionalized nerve guidance conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of polarizing macrophages to exhibit M2 phenotype, including introducing an effective amount of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to an environment comprising a population of macrophages such that the macrophages are in fluid communication with the gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Also disclosed are methods of promoting cutaneous wound healing including administering to a patient an effective amount of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells, thereby resulting in at least one of accelerated wound closure, rapid re-epithelialization, improved angiogenesis and improved tissue remodeling relative to untreated controls.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. This invention further relates to the isolation and applications of gingiva derived mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly, this invention relates to the isolation and applications of the neural crest derived gingiva mesenchymal stem cells and/or mesoderm derived gingiva mesenchymal stem cells. This invention also relates to a composition comprising a neural crest derived gingiva mesenchymal stem cell and/or a mesoderm derived gingiva mesenchymal stem cell. This composition may be used for wound healing and/or in the treatment of inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of polarizing macrophages to exhibit M2 phenotype, including introducing an effective amount of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to an environment comprising a population of macrophages such that the macrophages are in fluid communication with the gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Also disclosed are methods of promoting cutaneous wound healing including administering to a patient an effective amount of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells, thereby resulting in at least one of accelerated wound closure, rapid re-epithelialization, improved angiogenesis and improved tissue remodeling relative to untreated controls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gingiva derived messenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods of using GMSCs to regulate inflammatory response in the setting of normal versus pathological wound healing and to treat inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases.