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.