RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct a replication-defective adenovirus containing TK gene and investigate the killing effects of TK gene against human liver cancer cells SMMC-7721.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The recombinant adenovirus ADV-TK was constructed using homologous recombination in the cells. SMMC-7721 cells transfected with recombined adenovirus were exposed to GCV, and the cell viability was measured by MTT assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The recombinant adenovirus containing TK gene was successfully constructed. Transfection by the recombinant adenovirus ADV-TK and GCV exposure significantly suppressed the growth of SMMC-7721 cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A replication-defective adenovirus containing TK gene has been successfully constructed, and in combination with GCV, the recombinant adenovirus produces significant killing effect against SMMC-7721 cells in vitro.</p>