Giulia Puliatti, Pietro Renna, Martina Battistoni, Roberto Piacentini, Cristian Ripoli, Claudio Grassi
Precise control of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) in specific brain cell types is crucial for understanding its role in neural circuit function and disease. Here, we introduce a set of AAV.PHP.eB-based gene delivery vectors optimized for cell-type-specific downregulation or overexpression of α7-nAChR in the adult mouse brain. Using promoters for neuronal or astrocytic targeting, we achieved efficient cell-type modulation of α7-nAChR after intra-hippocampal administration. These vectors provide a versatile platform for investigating α7-nAChR-dependent mechanisms in vivo and advancing the preclinical development of targeted interventions for neurological disorders characterized by receptor dysregulation.