Abstract: Disclosed are nanocomposite oxygen-generating cryogels and their uses in reducing hypoxia in a biological tissue, such as a tumor. Methods of treating cancer with the disclosed cryogels are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for expanding T-regulatory cells (“Treg” cells), resulting in “conditioned Treg cells.” Also disclosed herein are methods and compositions useful for modulating an autoimmune reaction and for treating or ameliorating immune-related diseases, disorders and conditions using the conditioned Treg cells.

Abstract: Methods for modulating inflammation by administering HIF-1? inhibitors or compounds affecting HIF-1? expression and/or transcriptional activities are disclosed. HIF-1? affecting compounds include compounds that directly inhibit HIF-1? and/or interfere into expression of other proteins and regulation of biochemical pathways that target HIF-1? for degradation in vivo. Also disclosed are methods to enhance the inflammatory response and the destruction of pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria) and thereby preventing or minimizing pathogen-induced tissue injury. Also disclosed are methods to enhance the anti-tumor T cell response and the destruction of cancerous tumors and thereby preventing or minimizing metastasis-induced tissue injury. Also provided are methods to accomplish the opposite goal and decrease collateral damage by overactive T cells and thereby protect tissues of vital organs in a novel anti-inflammatory treatment.

Abstract: Methods for modulating responsiveness to increased oxygen levels in an at-risk subject identifying an at-risk subject; and before exposing the identified at-risk subject to an increased amount of oxygen, administering to the at-risk subject an anti-inflammatory agent wherein the responsiveness of the at-risk subject to said increased amount of oxygen is modulated as compared to the responsiveness of the at-risk subject to said increased amount of oxygen in the absence of said anti-inflammatory.