Methods are provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5 antagonist (ALK5i) to enhance OXTR expression in the subject. Methods are also provided for treating a subject with an effective amount of an OXTR agonist and an effective amount of an ALK5i to enhance hippocampal neurogenesis, enhance functional learning and reduce senescence in a tissue of the subject. In certain aspects, the amounts of the OXTR agonist and ALK5i may be sufficient to protect tissue maintenance and repair during acute and chronic viral infections. In certain aspects, the amount of the OXTR agonist and ALK5 antagonist may be sufficient to provide the subject with a sense of psychological well-being.
