AIM:To construct the mice model with lentivirus expressing AHNAK1 shRNA in CD4⁺ T cells, and to study its inhibitory effect on the thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)in mice.

METHODS: The shRNA sequence with good disturbing potency towards AHNAK1 was designed and selected; then the shRNA was packed into lentivirus; and the CD4⁺ T cells were infected. The infected CD4⁺ T cells of mice by the packed lentivirus were observed to detect the inhibition effect on T cells. And then the immunotherapeutic effects of AHNAK1^-/- on TAO were observed by experimental animal model.

RESULTS: The shRNA with good disturbing potency was successfully screened and correctly inserted into the lentivirus. The titer of the recombinant lentivirus was 1.0×10⁶TU/mL. The CD4⁺ T cells infected by lentivirus showed the anergy trend and restrained the immune response of inflammation. Suppressing the expression of AHNAK1 in T cells of animal model can effectively control the occurring and proceeding of TAO, which can significantly reduce the expression of IL-2 /IL-1β/IFN-γ in the T cells of the control group.

CONCLUSION: This paper successfully constructs mice model with the recombinant lentivirus expressing AHNAK1 shRNA, which has a favorable inhibitory effect on secretion of IL-2, IL-1β, IFN-γ by T cells. The recombinant lentivirus can effectively inhibit the occurring and proceeding of TAO in mice.