Abstract: Pharmaceutically acceptable preparations of extracellular vesicles derived from activated MSCs are provided. These preparations are essentially free of MSCs, and demonstrate anti-inflammatory inhibiting pharmacological activity in vivo. Methods for using the preparations to prevent the onset of autoimmune diseases are presented. The MSC derived extracellular vesicles are provided in pharmaceutically acceptable preparations with a carrier, such as saline, and may be used to inhibit activation of antigen presenting cells. These preparations may also be used to suppress the development of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 cells. The disclosed activated MSC-derived extracellular vesicle preparations are essentially free of MSCs and other cells.

Abstract: Isolated mesenchymal stem cells, which produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount of at least a first preselected amount, or produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount that does not exceed a second preselected amount, as determined by an assay, such as a RT-PCR assay. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells that produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount of at least the first preselected amount are useful in treating diseases, conditions, and disorders associated with inflammation, while isolated mesenchymal stem cells that produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount that does not exceed the second preselected amount are useful in treating bone diseases, conditions, and disorders, including bone injuries.

Abstract: Isolated mesenchymal stem cells, which produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount of at least a first preselected amount, or produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount that does not exceed a second preselected amount, as determined by an assay, such as a RT-PCR assay. Isolated mesenchymal stem cells that produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount of at least the first preselected amount are useful in treating diseases, conditions, and disorders associated with inflammation, while isolated mesenchymal stem cells that produce mRNA encoding TSG-6 protein or a biologically active fragment, derivative, or analogue thereof in an amount that does not exceed the second preselected amount are useful in treating bone diseases, conditions, and disorders, including bone injuries.

Abstract: A method of treating a tumor in an animal by administering to the animal mesenchymal stem cells that have been contacted with a stimulating, or activating agent, such as TNF-a, that stimulates the mesenchymal stem cells to express increased amounts of at least one agent, such as TRAIL and/or DKK-3, that inhibits, prevents, or destroys the growth of tumors. The stimulated, or activated mesenchymal stem cells may be administered in combination with at least one chemotherapeutic agent, such as doxorubicin.

Abstract: Transplantation of multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) into diabetic mice lowers blood sugar, increases blood insulin levels, increases the number and size of islets, and improves renal pathology. Accordingly, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing diabetes by administering isolated MSCs. The invention also provides methods for treating or preventing complications which arise from diabetes, including diabetic nephropathy, by transplanting isolated MSCs.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and methods for their novel use in the repair of cardiac damage and treatment of inflammatory diseases. The invention also provides methods for using TSG-6 protein that is secreted by MSCs under certain conditions, for repair of cardiac damage and inflammatory disease. The compositions of the invention may be particularly useful in restoring cardiac function following cardiac damage, including, but not limited to, myocardial infarction, as well as in reducing symptoms of inflammatory disease.

Abstract: Multipotent stromal cells “MSCs” have been described as consisting of at least two populations of cells, rapidly self-renewing stem cells (RS-MSCs), and larger, slowly replicating cells (mMSCs). The present invention provides methods for enhancing engraftment of MSCs in vivo by administering an enriched fraction of RS-MSCs that express certain cell surface markers.