Abstract: Provided are therapeutic virus vectors, particularly, recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors, designed to contain an enhancer sequence that specifically restricts expression of an effector gene (e.g., an SCN1A-encoding polynucleotide, Gq-DREADD-encoding polynucleotide, or PSAM-encoding polynucleotide) contained in the vector to PV-expressing GABAergic interneuron or to neuron cell populations in the brain. The rAAV vectors, compositions and methods thereof are useful for treating subjects afflicted with neuropathologies, seizures, pharmacologically-intractable forms of epilepsy including Dravet syndrome (DS), a form of infantile epilepsy associated with severe seizures, cognitive impairment and premature death, as the cause of DS involves loss of function of a sodium channel encoded by the SCN1A gene.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for prophylaxis and/or therapy of disorders that involve seizures. The compositions and methods relate to a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) comprising a I56i enhancer sequence, and a sequence encoding hM3Dq modified muscarinic receptor (Gq-DREADD). The method includes introducing the rAAV into interneurons of an individual such that Gq-DREADD is expressed in interneurons of the individual. The method can further comprise administering to the individual an agonist of the Gq-DREADD, such for reducing or preventing seizures.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for prophylaxis and/or therapy of disorders that involve seizures. The compositions and methods relate to a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) comprising a I56i enhancer sequence, and a sequence encoding hM3Dq modified muscarinic receptor (Gq-DREADD). The method includes introducing the rAAV into interneurons of an individual such that Gq-DREADD is expressed in interneurons of the individual. The method can further comprise administering to the individual an agonist of the Gq-DREADD, such for reducing or preventing seizures.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for prophylaxis and/or therapy of disorders that involve seizures. The compositions and methods relate to a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) comprising a I56i enhancer sequence, and a sequence encoding hM3Dq modified muscarinic receptor (Gq-DREADD). The method includes introducing the rAAV into interneurons of an individual such that Gq-DREADD is expressed in interneurons of the individual. The method can further comprise administering to the individual an agonist of the Gq-DREADD, such for reducing or preventing seizures.