| abstract |
The present invention provides particular anti-inflammatory factors, compositions containing them, methods of making, identifying, and/or characterizing them, and methods of using them. In some embodiments, provided factors are expressed by human bone marrow stromal cells (MSC). In some embodiments, provided factors are characterized by an ability, when contacted with mammalian leukocytes in culture, to alter production of at least one inflammatory or anti-inflammatory agent by the mammalian leukocytes. In some embodiments, provided factors include GALNT1 polypeptides, LGALS3BP polypeptides, MFAP5 polypeptides, PENK polypeptides and/or HAPLN1 polypeptides. In some embodiments, provided factors are useful in the inhibition of inflammatory agents, in the promotion of anti-inflammatory agents, and/or for the treatment of subjects suffering from or susceptible to a disease, disorder or condition characterized by inflammation. |