Abstract: The invention teaches the unexpected finding that treatment of mesenchymal stem cells with inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) lead to enhancement of regenerative and/or anti-inflammatory activity of said stem cells. In one embodiment, rapamycin treatment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is associated with enhanced basal and stimulated production of therapeutic factors. In one embodiment other regenerative activities are enhanced by treatment with inhibitors of mTOR such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis, protection from apoptosis, and immune modulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are means, methods and compositions of matter useful for treatment of inflammatory and/or viral mediated disease through administration of cellular populations subsequent to modulation of complement pathway. In one embodiment, patients with COVID-19 who are eligible for stem cell therapy are pretreated with modulators of complement activity in order to reduce inflammation and to augment activity of said stem cell therapy. Activity of said stem cell therapy includes protection of pulmonary cells from dysfunction/death, stimulation of regenerative/trophic activities, reduction of inflammation, and induction of immune modulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, protocols, and combination therapies useful for reduction of pulmonary inflammation associated with conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilator induced inflammation, and infectious disease induced inflammation. In one embodiment the invention provides therapeutic gases which induce anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory properties in the pulmonary environment of a patient in need of therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, cells, and therapeutic protocols useful for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In some embodiments the invention teaches treatment of ARDS caused by viruses including COVID-19 through administration of an immature population of dendritic cells at a concentration and frequency to inhibit pulmonary inflammation, alveolar leakage, and loss of pulmonary function. In some embodiments immature dendritic cells are generated by culture of autologous and/or allogeneic monocytes with IL-4 and GM-CSF without a maturation step. In other embodiments, generation of immature dendritic cells is performed by administration on NF-kappa B inhibitors. In other embodiments dendritic cells are utilized in an immature form to stimulate generation of T regulatory cells.

Abstract: Described are means, methods and compositions of matter for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by enhancement of T regulatory (Treg) number and/or efficacy. In one embodiment of the invention, exogenous Tregs are administered. In another embodiment, enhanced endogenous Tregs are provided using methods including administration of low dose interleukin-2, administration of other cytokines, and administration of cells which stimulate Treg generation such as mesenchymal stem cells.