Abstract: Constructs are provided that exploit selected portions of the TLR4 receptor to which no extracellular ligand will bind. A dimerization domain is employed to allow for regulated activation when used in conjunction with a dimerizer drug. In addition, a myristoylation domain facilitates intracellular presentation. Constructs of the invention can be used to create engineered monocytes whose TLR4 receptors can be selectively activated with administration of a dimerization agent. Engineered macrophages can be selectively induced to become pro-inflammatory, providing methods to ameliorate conditions associated with excessive pro-repair macrophages, such as cardiac fibrosis and solid tumor growth. Delivery of the engineered macrophages to sites of cardiac fibrosis can reduce the amount of fibrosis and scarring and ameliorate cardiac function. Delivery of the engineered macrophages to solid tumors can reduce tumor growth and size.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for promoting endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of providing to one or more endothelial cells an amount of an osteoprotegerin sufficient to promote endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention can be practiced in vivo or in vitro. In another aspect, the present invention provides implantable medical devices that each include: (a) a device body; and (b) a layer attached to a surface of the device body, the layer comprising a molecule selected from the group consisting of osteoprotegerin and a nucleic acid molecule encoding osteoprotegerin, wherein the device is adapted to be completely or partially implanted into an animal body. The implanted medical device thus promotes the growth of blood vessels in the surrounding tissue, thereby reducing or preventing the formation of a collagenous capsule around the implanted medical device.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for promoting endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of providing to one or more endothelial cells an amount of an osteoprotegerin sufficient to promote endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention can be practiced in vivo or in vitro. In another aspect, the present invention provides implantable medical devices that each include: (a) a device body; and (b) a layer attached to a surface of the device body, the layer comprising a molecule selected from the group consisting of osteoprotegerin and a nucleic acid molecule encoding osteoprotegerin, wherein the device is adapted to be completely or partially implanted into an animal body. The implanted medical device thus promotes the growth of blood vessels in the surrounding tissue, thereby reducing or preventing the formation of a collagenous capsule around the implanted medical device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting ectopic calcification in an individual. The method consists of administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of osteopontin or a functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for promoting endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of providing to one or more endothelial cells an amount of an osteoprotegerin sufficient to promote endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention can be practiced in vivo or in vitro. In another aspect, the present invention provides implantable medical devices that each include: (a) a device body; and (b) a layer attached to a surface of the device body, the layer comprising a molecule selected from the group consisting of osteoprotegerin and a nucleic acid molecule encoding osteoprotegerin, wherein the device is adapted to be completely or partially implanted into an animal body. The implanted medical device thus promotes the growth of blood vessels in the surrounding tissue, thereby reducing or preventing the formation of a collagenous capsule around the implanted medical device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting ectopic calcification in an individual. The method consists of administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of osteopontin or a functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting ectopic calcification in an individual. The method consists of administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of osteopontin or a functional fragment thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides methods for promoting endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention include the step of providing to one or more endothelial cells an amount of an osteoprotegerin sufficient to promote endothelial morphogenesis. The methods of this aspect of the invention can be practiced in vivo or in vitro. In another aspect, the present invention provides implantable medical devices that each include: (a) a device body; and (b) a layer attached to a surface of the device body, the layer comprising a molecule selected from the group consisting of osteoprotegerin and a nucleic acid molecule encoding osteoprotegerin, wherein the device is adapted to be completely or partially implanted into an animal body. The implanted medical device thus promotes the growth of blood vessels in the surrounding tissue, thereby reducing or preventing the formation of a collagenous capsule around the implanted medical device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting ectopic calcification in an individual. The method consists of administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of osteopontin or a functional fragment thereof.