Objective: To investigate the effect of infection with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing NT4-NAP fusion gene on photoprotection of rabbit iris pigment epithelium cells (IPECs).
Methods: rAAV-GFP and rAAV-NAP (containing NT4-NAP fusion gene) were constructed; rabbit IPECs were cultured and infected with rAAV-GFP and rAAV-NAP; transfection of viruses was detected by GFP fluorescence expression; NAP protect rabbit iris pigment epithelium from light stimulation was evaluated by MTT and flow cytometry.
Results: Rabbit IPECs expressed the GFP fluorescence; comparing with control cells, IPECs transfected with rAAV-NAP remained normal proliferation and showed lower apoptosis percentage after ultra-violet stimulation.
Conclusion: rAAV-NAP constructed in the study can infect rabbit IPECs, and NAP may protect rabbit IPECs from ultra-violet damage.