A comprehensive review of AAV-mediated strategies targeting microglia for therapeutic intervention of neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases pose a significant health burden globally, with limited treatment options available. Among the various cell types involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders, microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a pivotal role. Dysregulated microglial activation contributes to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage, making them an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as powerful tools for delivering therapeutic genes to specific cell types in the central nervous system with remarkable precision and safety. In the current review, we discuss the strategies employed to achieve selective transduction of microglia, including the use of cell-specific promoters, engineered capsids, and microRNA (miRNA) strategies. Additionally, we address the challenges and future directions in the development of AAV-based therapies targeting microglia. Overall, AAV-mediated targeting of microglia holds promise as a novel therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases, offering the potential to modify disease progression and improve patient outcomes.