Combination therapy for treating muscular dystrophy

A recombinant viral vector comprising:

• a) a polynucleotide encoding a functional gene or protein of interest (GOI), such as one effective to treat a muscular dystrophy, wherein said polynucleotide comprises a 3′-UTR coding region, and is immediately 3′ to a heterologous intron sequence that enhances expression of the functional protein encoded by the polynucleotide;
• b) a control element (e.g., a muscle-specific control element) operably linked to and drives the expression of the polynucleotide;
• and,
• c) one or more coding sequences inserted in the intron sequence or in the 3′-UTR coding region;
• wherein said one or more coding sequences independently encode:
• an RNAi sequence (siRNA, shRNA, miRNA), an antisense sequence, a guide sequence for a gene editing enzyme, a microRNA (miRNA), and/or a miRNA inhibitor.