Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising one or more cell types encapsulated by a plurality of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and/or fibroblasts; and/or one or more cell types encapsulated by extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by CAFs and/or fibroblasts. Also disclosed are methods for producing compositions disclosed herein, methods of using compositions disclosed herein for treatment of diseases and/or disorders, and kits for practicing the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, compositions, and systems for wound care utilizing a wound coverage substrate utilizing dehydrated or lyophilized non-live fibroblasts and/or dehydrated or lyophilized fibroblast-derived materials. In particular embodiments, the wound coverage substrate comprises the dehydrated or lyophilized non-live fibroblasts and/or dehydrated or lyophilized fibroblast-derived materials and upon delivery to the wound, the moisture of the wound re-hydrates the dehydrated or lyophilized non-live fibroblasts and/or dehydrated or lyophilized fibroblast-derived materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure concern administration of a cell population to an individual for regeneration of a tissue. The cell population may comprise fibroblasts and/or immune cells, either of which may be modified or unmodified. The tissue for regeneration may be a thymus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and compositions for functional interaction of fibroblasts with one or more types of immune cells such that the interaction results in modification to the fibroblasts, the one or more types of immune cells, or both. In some embodiments, one or more certain agents are also utilized during the interaction or in lieu of one of the types of cells. In specific embodiments, cells to be used in cellular transplantation therapy are modified to have reduced immunogenicity.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods of treating muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) through administration of fibroblasts and modified fibroblasts systemically and locally. In certain embodiments, fibroblast cells are utilized for replacement of dystrophin through fusion and/or other means of horizontal gene transfer. In other embodiments, the disclosure teaches the use of fibroblasts for reduction of inflammatory reactions and/or immunological reactions which propagate and enhance myodestructive aspects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In other embodiments, fibroblasts are utilized as vectors for gene therapy and/or gene modifications approaches.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions comprising fibroblasts and/or products derived thereof for the inhibition and/or treatment of addiction of any kind, such as opioid addiction. In some embodiments, methods comprise treating a patient addicted to opioids by administering a fibroblast population at a concentration sufficient for suppression of addiction-associated brain damage. In some embodiments, the fibroblasts express CD31 and/or CD73 markers. In some embodiments, fibroblasts are used to endow neuronal regeneration in order to overcome changes in the brain associated with addiction. Some embodiments relate to the stimulation of hippocampal regeneration subsequent to addiction induced damage.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions comprising fibroblasts and/or products derived thereof for the inhibition and/or treatment of addiction of any kind, such as opioid addiction. In some embodiments, methods comprise treating a patient addicted to opioids by administering a fibroblast population at a concentration sufficient for suppression of addiction-associated brain damage. In some embodiments, the fibroblasts express CD31 and/or CD73 markers. In some embodiments, fibroblasts are used to endow neuronal regeneration in order to overcome changes in the brain associated with addiction. Some embodiments relate to the stimulation of hippocampal regeneration subsequent to addiction induced damage.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods of treating muscular dystrophies, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) through administration of fibroblasts and modified fibroblasts systemically and locally. In certain embodiments, fibroblast cells are utilized for replacement of dystrophin through fusion and/or other means of horizontal gene transfer. In other embodiments, the disclosure teaches the use of fibroblasts for reduction of inflammatory reactions and/or immunological reactions which propagate and enhance myodestructive aspects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In other embodiments, fibroblasts are utilized as vectors for gene therapy and/or gene modifications approaches.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure encompass methods and compositions for treatment of cancer utilizing fibroblasts that have been modified to enhance their ability to deliver one or more anti-cancer agents to an individual in need thereof. In particular embodiments, the fibroblasts have been modified to express one or more chemokine receptors and/or have been exposed to hypoxia to enhance their ability to home to cancer cells. In specific cases the modified fibroblasts are engineered to encompass an oncolytic virus as a tumor inhibitory agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure encompass methods and compositions for treatment of cancer utilizing fibroblasts that have been modified to enhance their ability to deliver one or more anti-cancer agents to an individual in need thereof. In particular embodiments, the fibroblasts have been modified to express one or more chemokine receptors and/or have been exposed to hypoxia to enhance their ability to home to cancer cells. In specific cases the modified fibroblasts are engineered to encompass an oncolytic virus as a tumor inhibitory agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides means of regenerating/restoring aged and/or damaged tissue or treating a medical condition by providing an extracorporeal circuit containing cells, including fibroblasts or dedifferentiated fibroblasts. that are in contact with plasma but not blood cells extracorporeally in a manner allowing for exchange of factors between a subject and an extracorporeally residing mass of cells. The disclosure provides means of titrating factors produced by the extracorporeal regenerative cell mass, thus allowing for a regenerative effect.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern gene therapy for the use of cartilage repair and/or regeneration, wherein fibroblasts are facilitated to differentiate into chondrocytes or chondrocyte-like cells upon delivery of one or more cartilage-forming genes.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing or reducing the risk of having Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in an individual. In particular embodiments, there are methods and compositions related to administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of a population of fibroblasts, fibroblast exosomes, IL-2, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, means, and compositions of matter useful for the stimulation of angiogenesis directly by administration of membrane vesicles, such as fibroblast-derived exosomes, and/or through induction of angiogenic cytokines from blood cells contacted with fibroblast-derived exosomes. The invention provides means of treating conditions in which angiogenesis is beneficial through local or systemic administration of exosomes, including those derived from fibroblasts, wherein the fibroblasts are cultured under basal conditions or conditions of hypoxia. In other embodiments exosomes derived from fibroblasts are utilized to augment endogenous regenerative processes, such as hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and neurogenesis, as well as augment regenerative processes stimulated by administration of exogenous therapeutics such as cells, growth factors, or genes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for treatment of lung disease, including at least chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular cases, fibroblasts (including activated fibroblasts) and/or exosomes thereof are provided to an individual for the treatment of COPD. In particular cases the fibroblasts are activated and/or express one or more particular markers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for use of prepared fibroblasts and/or conditioned media therefrom. In particular embodiments, the prepared fibroblasts have enhanced regenerative and may have an increase in secretion of one or more cytokines and/or growth factors; may have an increase in anti-apoptotic activity; and/or may have a modulated immunogenicity. In specific embodiments, the fibroblasts are prepared by exposure to hypoxia and/or carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include compositions and methods for providing an effective amount of activated or unactivated single-cell or spheroid fibroblasts, exosomes from fibroblasts, lysate from fibroblasts, apoptotic bodies from fibroblasts, and/or fibroblast-related products that are comprised in and/or on a substrate, such as a synthetic polymer or biopolymer scaffolding or biologic mesh, thereby generating a material to cover at least one wound and/or at least one burn of an individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for treatment of lung disease, including at least chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular cases, fibroblasts (including activated fibroblasts) and/or exosomes thereof are provided to an individual for the treatment of COPD. In particular cases the fibroblasts are activated and/or express one or more particular markers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treatment and prevention of alopecia, including alopecia areata. Aspects are directed to methods for stimulating or accelerating hair follicle regeneration. Certain aspects are directed to methods for treating alopecia areata comprising administration of fibroblasts and/or a fibroblast derived product to a subject suffering from alopecia areata. In some cases, a fibroblast derived product is conditioned media, exosomes, or apoptotic bodies from fibroblasts, formulated for topical use for treatment or prevention of alopecia areata.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for use of prepared fibroblasts and/or conditioned media therefrom. In particular embodiments, the prepared fibroblasts have enhanced regenerative and may have an increase in secretion of one or more cytokines and/or growth factors; may have an increase in anti-apoptotic activity; and/or may have a modulated immunogenicity. In specific embodiments, the fibroblasts are prepared by exposure to hypoxia and/or carbon monoxide.