Abstract: Provided are innovative compositions for tethering blocking an inactivating of airborne respiratory infectious viruses. The compositions comprise bispecific proteins with two different antigen binding regions (ABR), which are typically configured as immunoglobulin “single variable domains” (ISV). A first ISV binds to a surface protein found on an airborne infectious virus. A second ISV binds to a mucin protein, e.g. a mucin protein present on ocular, nasopharyngeal, tracheal and/or oral surfaces of a mammal. The two ISV are joined by a polypeptide linker.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the regeneration of articular cartilage by activating skeletal stem cells with a combination of (i) mechanical and (ii) biochemical stimulus. The mechanical stimulus can be an acute local injury. The biochemical stimulus can be a combination of an effective dose of a BMP2 activating agent and a VEGF inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the therapeutic use of hedgehog agents, for enhancing bone growth and regeneration in diabetic or pre-diabetic patients, including repair following injury, osseointegration of implants, and the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the compositions are administered locally, e.g. by injection or implantation at the site of an injury.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for producing functional blood vessels, and progenitors thereof are provided. Human disorders of the vascular system are treated by reconstitution of functional vessels in vivo through co-transplantation with supporting niche stromal cells for treatment of ischemic injury in the peripheral limbs and heart. The cell populations of the invention, when engrafted into a recipient, anastomose with host vasculature and regenerate functional blood vessels.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional chondrocytes, skeletal cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and progenitor cells thereof are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing chondrocytes, osteoblasts, stromal cells, and progenitor cells thereof in vivo, or in vitro for transplantation, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example for use in treating human disorders of the cartilage, bone and hematopoietic system. In some embodiments, specific combinations of protein factors are identified for reprogramming non-skeletal cells into bones, hematopoietic stroma, and chondrocytes, which may be provided in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional chondrocytes, skeletal cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and progenitor cells thereof are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing chondrocytes, osteoblasts, stromal cells, and progenitor cells thereof in vivo, or in vitro for transplantation, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example for use in treating human disorders of the cartilage, bone and hematopoietic system. In some embodiments, specific combinations of protein factors are identified for reprogramming non-skeletal cells into bones, hematopoietic stroma, and chondrocytes, which may be provided in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the therapeutic use of hedgehog agents, for enhancing bone growth and regeneration in diabetic or pre-diabetic patients, including repair following injury, osseointegration of implants, and the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the compositions are administered locally, e.g. by injection or implantation at the site of an injury.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for producing functional blood vessels, and progenitors thereof are provided. Human disorders of the vascular system are treated by reconstitution of functional vessels in vivo through co-transplantation with supporting niche stromal cells for treatment of ischemic injury in the peripheral limbs and heart. The cell populations of the invention, when engrafted into a recipient, anastomose with host vasculature and regenerate functional blood vessels.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional chondrocytes, skeletal cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and progenitor cells thereof are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in producing chondrocytes, osteoblasts, stromal cells, and progenitor cells thereof in vivo, or in vitro for transplantation, for experimental evaluation, as a source of lineage- and cell-specific products, and the like, for example for use in treating human disorders of the cartilage, bone and hematopoietic system. In some embodiments, specific combinations of protein factors are identified for reprogramming non-skeletal cells into bones, hematopoietic stroma, and chondrocytes, which may be provided in vitro or in vivo.