The invention encompasses compositions and method of treating a vascular disease such as peripheral artery disease. The methods involve administering to a patient in need thereof, an effective amount of a composition comprising a population of cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and a non-muscle myosin II antagonist such as blebbistatin. Non-muscle myosin II antagonists are disclosed to surprisingly and dramatically accelerate MSC-triggered regeneration of damaged tissues and unexpectedly and drastically reduce severe complications of stem cell treatment.
