Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the use of allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes to promote axonal regeneration in the central nervous system of a mammal. In one embodiment, allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are cultured together with stimulatory tissue, such as skin, dermis or at least one nerve segment, and are subsequently administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. In an alternative embodiment, autologous monocytes, preferably stimulated autologous monocytes, are administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. CNS administration of mononuclear phagocytes may optionally be combined with administration of an adjuvant factor (e.g. aFGF) to the CNS, anti-inflammatory therapy of the mammal, or both. Methods for screening stimulatory tissue and cells and methods and compositions for cryopreserved allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptides of the formulas (i) Xaa-Yaa-Arg, wherein either Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu or Xaa is absent and Yaa is any amino acid residue with the exception of Pro; (ii) Arg-Yaa-Xaa, wherein either Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu or Xaa is absent and Yaa is any amino acid residue with the exception of Asn; (iii) Xaa-Arg-Yaa, wherein Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu; and (iv) Yaa-Arg-Xaa, wherein Xaa is any amino acid residue and Yaa is Glu, and to derivatives thereof, which exert an inhibitory effect on macrophage migration and/or macrophage phagocytic activity. In addition, the peptides and derivatives thereof exert an inhibitory effect on the ability of macrophages and T cells to adhere to extracellular matrix and/or fibronectin. The peptides and derivatives thereof exert an inhibitory effect on a humoral and/or cellular immune response.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the use of allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes to promote axonal regeneration in the central nervous system of a mammal are disclosed. In one embodiment, allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are cultured together with stimulatory tissue, such as dermis or at least one nerve segment, and are subsequently administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. In an alternative embodiment, autologous monocytes, preferably stimulated autologous monocytes, are administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. Methods for identifying stimulatory tissue and cells and methods and compositions for cryopreserved allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An enzymatically-producible dimeric IL-2 such as mammalian, more particularly, human dimeric IL-2, having oligodendrocyte cytotoxic activity, is useful as active ingredient of pharmaceutical compositions for inducing and facilitating regeneration of injured nerves of the central nervous system in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the use of allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes to promote axonal regeneration in the central nervous system of a mammal are disclosed. In one embodiment, allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are cultured together with stimulatory tissue, such as dermis or at least one nerve segment, and are subsequently administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. In an alternative embodiment, autologous monocytes, preferably stimulated autologous monocytes, are administered into the central nervous system of a mammal at or near a site of injury or disease. Methods for identifying stimulatory tissue and cells and methods and compositions for cryopreserved allogeneic mononuclear phagocytes are also disclosed.