Pain modulation by multi-characteristic opsin sensitization of inhibitory network of brain

Here, we report development of AAV-carried therapeutic gene construct consisting of cell-specific promoter driven Multi-Characteristic Opsin (MCO-II) to target inhibitory cells of ACC. MCO-II is highly sensitive to light and can be activated at low intensity, thus requiring a very low power budget. This along with red-light sensitiveness of MCO allows deep penetration with a minimally invasive implant. We developed a wireless Bluetooth Optogenetic Pain Modulator device for control of the dose of optogenetic stimulation. We demonstrated that red light stimulation of inhibitory neurons in ACC expressing MCO-II leads to significant reduction in pain response in fully awake animals.