Methods to enhance nerve regeneration utilizing neural stem cells and il12p40

Abstract

The present application provides a composition and methods to enhance nerve regeneration utilizing at least one component of neural stem cells or IL12p40. The composition comprises neural stem cells and a neurotrophic factor, which is constructed by IL12p40 as at least one subunit. The methods to enhance nerve regeneration comprise providing a nerve regeneration composition comprising a neurotrophic factor containing IL12p40 as at least one subunit to a subject. The composition of the methods can further comprise neural stem cells.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A composition for nerve regeneration comprising:
 neural stem cells,   a neurotrophic factor, which comprises IL12p40 as at least one subunit, and a nerve conduit for containing the neural stem cells and the neurotrophic factor.   
     
     
         32 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein the neurotrophic factor is a monomer of IL12p40. 
     
     
         33 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein IL12p40 has a protein sequence shown as NCBI Accession No.: NM_008352 (Mouse) or 1F42_A (Human). 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein the neurotrophic factor comprises a monomer of IL12p40, a dimer of IL12p40, a trimer of IL12p40, a tetramer of IL12p40 or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein the neural stem cells are characterized as brain cells that are positive for CD133 and GFAP. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein the neural stem cells are characterized as F1B GFP +  cells. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 31 , which further comprises a nerve regeneration enhancing element selected from Schwann cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs), induced neurons (iNs), induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), or cells that are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 31 , which further comprises a nerve regeneration enhancing element selected from fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein the nerve conduit is implanted in a target nerve or a tissue around the target nerve. 
     
     
         40 . A composition for nerve regeneration comprising a neurotrophic factor and a nerve conduit for containing the neurotrophic factor, wherein the neurotrophic factor comprises IL12p40 as at least one subunit. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein IL12p40 has a protein sequence shown as NCBI Accession No.: NM_008352 (Mouse) or 1F42_A (Human). 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 40 , which further comprises a nerve regeneration enhancing element selected from fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein the nerve conduit is implanted in a target nerve or a tissue around the target nerve.