Compositions and methods for the treatment, prevention, or reversal of a central nervous system (CNS) injury or disorder in a patient in need that include administering a therapeutically effective amount of meningeal immune cells are disclosed. Specifically, the meningeal immune cells comprise Ly6C+ monocytes. Further disclosed are wherein the meningeal immune cells are modified to include a drug or gene therapeutic compound, and wherein the modified meningeal immune cells are configured to deliver the drug or gene therapeutic compound to the CNS of the subject via the parenchyma or meningeal tissue of the subject.