DREADDs are exclusively activated by their pharmaceutical ligand, the so-called actuator. CNS-delivered artificial DREADDs have no physiological effects without their actuator, offering a flexible and adaptive control of the timing and intensity of the effect. This technique can be employed to develop a safe, adjustable alternative of current neurosurgery techniques, such as deep brain stimulation and local lesion. Moreover, molecular targeting solutions (e.g. promoters) allows disctinction between neuronal populations not only based on their localization, but also based on their neurochemical attributes. On the long run, non-surgical delivery may provide additional benefits to this platform.