The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating neural
damage caused by injury or disease, by enhancing neural outgrowth and/or
repair responses in the nervous system. Preferably, the methods and
compositions utilize agents which interfere with the ability of the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class I molecule (MHC I) to inhibit
neurite outgrowth. Such agents include antibodies directed to MHC I, MHC
I fragments and/or analogs, and agents which interfere with MHC I
interaction with its neuronal receptor and the receptor's signaling
pathway.