Viral vectors have become widely used in neuroscience to efficiently and precisely deliver genetic material to defined cell populations and allow manipulation of the cell function through gain or loss of function. However, viral strategies have not been efficient and specific for transducing microglia. A major bottleneck is that newly adapted strategies are typically developed and evaluated in vitro but disappoint in vivo. Also, as a type of macrophage, microglia are tuned to pathogens and have adopted strategies to prevent viral infections, making it challenging to transduce them.