Gene therapy vectors, such as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), designed for the treatment of mutations in the
eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B
subunit epsilon (EIF2B5)
gene are provided. The EIF2B5
gene provides instructions for making one of the five subunits of the eIF2B
protein, specifically the epsilon
subunit of the
protein. Such mutations are associated with diseases or disorders such as leukoencephalopathy, macrocephalic leukoencephalopathy, leukodystrophy,
stroke,
migraine,
epilepsy,
multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's
disease (PD), Alzheimer's
disease (AD), astrogliosis in aging, Huntington's
disease (HD),
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alexander disease,
hepatic encephalopathy (HE), Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, CLC-2-associated disease, oculodentodigital
dysplasia, and / or giant axonal neuropathy. Such leukoencephalopathy or leukodystrophies include, but are not limited to, vanishing
white matter (VWM). The disclosed
gene therapy vector provides EIF2B5 cDNA to a subject in need, which results in the expression of wild-type or functional EIF2B5
protein. Also provided is a new
promoter, designated gfa1405, designed to target astrocytes and neurons. Thus, compositions, nanoparticles,
extracellular vesicles, exosomes, or vectors comprising the gfa1405
promoter, and methods of use thereof are also provided.