AAV vectors for specific and efficient gene expression in microglia

Abstract

Microglia are crucial targets for therapeutic interventions in diseases like Alzheimer's and stroke, but efficient gene delivery to these immune cells is challenging. We developed an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that achieves specific and efficient gene delivery to microglia. This vector incorporates the mIba1 promoter, GFP, miRNA target sequences (miR.Ts), WPRE, and poly(A) signal. Positioning miR.Ts on both sides of WPRE significantly suppressed non-microglial expression, achieving over 90% specificity and more than 60% efficiency in microglia-specific gene expression 3 weeks post-administration. Additionally, this vector enabled GCaMP expression, facilitating real-time calcium dynamics monitoring in microglial processes. Using a blood-brain barrier-penetrant AAV-9P31 capsid variant, intravenous administration resulted in broad and selective microglial GFP expression across the brain. These results establish our AAV vector as a versatile tool for long-term, highly specific, and efficient gene expression in microglia, advancing microglial research and potential therapeutic applications.

Keywords: AAV; CP: neuroscience; Ca(2+) imaging; GCaMP; Iba1; RNA interference; WPRE; adeno-associated virus; cerebral cortex; microRNA; microglia.