One embodiment is directed to a method for altering the function of the sensory unit that innervates a targeted tissue region in a mammal comprising the steps of identifying the targeted tissue region； cutaneously administering into the targeted tissue region an adeno-associated virus wherein the viral genome encodes at least one exogenous protein； expressing the exogenous protein in the targeted sensory unit； and altering the function of the targeted sensory unit to treat or restore the sensory response because of the exogenous protein expression while not impacting the function of nearby sensory units.
