Abstract: Gene therapy methods and compositions for high level expression of anti-sickling globin proteins in erythroid cells for treating Sickle Cell disease are described.

Abstract: Human manganese superoxide dismutase (hMn SOD) having catalytic activity which differs from natural hMn SOD is disclosed. The hMn SOD of the invention exhibits reduced or no product inhibition compared to natural hMn SOD, while preferably maintaining equal or improved catalytic activity. The hMn SOD of the invention can be used as an antioxidant to prevent or treat cytotoxicity resulting from oxidation.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation can be used to treat vascular diseases. In particular, for unstable lesions where angioplasty may not be warranted, cytotoxic, nonablative ultraviolet radiation, preferably at a wavelength in the range of about 240 to about 280 nanometers, can be used to disable the intima and reduce spasms associated with partially occluded blood vessels.

Abstract: A stent for supporting a selected portion of a body lumen, comprising a fibrous material which is treated with a curable material to form a curable fiber composite. The fiber composite is positioned within a body lumen and, upon curing of the curable material, forms a rigid support structure.

Abstract: An improved soluble molecular complex for targeting a polynucleotide to a specific cell is disclosed. The molecular complex comprises (a) a polynucleotide (b) a carrier made up of a polynucleotide binding agent and a cell-specific binding agent which binds to a surface molecule of the cell and is internalized into an endosome, and (c) a bacterial component or fragment thereof which lyses the endosome and causes the polynucleotide to be released into the cytoplasm of the cell. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the polynucleotide binding agent is polylysine, the cell-specific binding agent is an asialoglycoprotein, and the bacterial component is listeriolysin O. The disclosed soluble molecular complex and methods of use can be used therapeutically to deliver genes and antisense polynucleotides to specific cells in vivo.