Restoring vision in retinal degeneration is a major biomedical challenge. In this study, IOB scientists engineered an ultrasensitive variant of the human TRPV1 channel, delivered by an AAV vector, that responds to near-infrared microheating. 

When expressed in blind human retinal tissue, this single-component system triggers robust ganglion cell responses, restoring light sensitivity without the need for microbial proteins or nanoparticles.

Beyond vision restoration, this work highlights how precise protein engineering can adapt native human ion channels for remote control of excitable cells. This concept opens new opportunities for therapeutic applications and expands the possibilities of thermal neuromodulation across neuroscience and medicine.

Original Publication

Engineering infrared light detection in blind human retina using ultrasensitive human TRPV1 channels
Morgan Chevalier, Firas Fadel, Tímea Májer, Dániel Péter Magda, Lili Gerendás, Ferenc Kilin, Zoltán Zsolt Nagy, Arnold Szabó, Botond Roska, Guilherme Testa-Silva 

Trends in Biotechnology, 2025 Dec;43(12):3236-3252.
 doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.07.033. Epub 2025 Aug 29.