Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Uses Therefor

Abstract

Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, cancer, or inflammatory diseases in an animal, promoting would healing, repairing epithelial damage and promoting angiogenesis in an organ or tissue of an animal by administering to the animal mesenchymal stem cells in an effective amount.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . Mesenchymal stem cells for use in reducing, limiting or preventing inflammation and promoting or enhancing angiogenesis in a tissue or organ of a human by regulating the production of factors that regulate steps in the immune response process. 
     
     
         15 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein one or more new blood vessels are formed from a pre-existing microvascular bed. 
     
     
         16 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the organ in need of angiogenesis is the heart. 
     
     
         17 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 16 , wherein the angiogenesis promoting mesenchymal stem cells treat coronary artery disease, peripheral artery insufficiency, or ischemic heart disease. 
     
     
         18 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells cause immune cells to decrease production of tumor necrosis factor alpha. 
     
     
         19 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 18 , wherein the immune cells are monocytic cells. 
     
     
         20 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells cause immune cells to decrease production of interferon-gamma. 
     
     
         21 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 20 , wherein the immune cells are TH1 helper cells. 
     
     
         22 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells cause immune cells to increase production of interleukin 10. 
     
     
         23 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the cells are administered systemically. 
     
     
         24 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 23 , wherein the cells are administered via intravenous, intraarterial or intraperitoneal routes of administration. 
     
     
         25 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the cells are autologous, allogeneic or xenogeneic. 
     
     
         26 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the cells stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to produce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). 
     
     
         27 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the angiogenesis alleviates symptoms associated with blocked arteries. 
     
     
         28 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein angiogenesis promoting mesenchymal stem cells are used to prevent stroke or stroke symptomology. 
     
     
         29 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the cells are administered in an amount of from about 1×105 cells/kg to about 1×107 cells/kg. 
     
     
         30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method of using the mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14  for promoting angiogenesis in a tissue or organ in need thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the organ in need of angiogenesis is a heart. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the tissue or organ is affected by an ischemic condition. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the method is used in the treatment of coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease, or stroke. 
     
     
         35 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 14 , wherein the tissue in need of angiogenesis is an artery. 
     
     
         36 . The mesenchymal stem cells of  claim 35 , wherein the artery is at least one coronary artery or at least one peripheral artery. 
     
     
         37 . A proangiogenic composition comprising mesenchymal stem cells capable of inducing the production of proangiogenic immune cells. 
     
     
         38 . The proangiogenic composition of  claim 37 , wherein the immune cells are tissue infiltrating proangiogenic monocytic cells. 
     
     
         39 . The proangiogenic composition of  claim 38 , wherein the proangiogenic monocytes enhance the production of IL-10 and decrease the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha. 
     
     
         40 . The proangiogenic composition of  claim 37 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are derived from bone marrow. 
     
     
         41 . The proangiogenic composition of  claim 37 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells induce or enhance the differentiation or production of the proangiogenic monocytic cells. 
     
     
         42 . The proangiogenic composition of  claim 37 , wherein the mesenchymal stem cells increase the production of proangiogenic monocytic cells and decrease the production of proinflammatory monocytic cells. 
     
     
         43 . An angiogenesis inducing monocyte expressing an increased production of IL-10 in a tissue, organ, or blood vessel in response to bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells being introduced into the tissue, organ, or blood vessel. 
     
     
         44 . A bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell for enhancing the angiogenic potency of a monocyte or macrophage.