AIM: To explore the effect and mechanism of acyclovir(ACV)on the proliferation and apoptosis of human eye Tenon capsule fibroblasts(HTFs) in vitro.

METHODS: HTFs were divided into ACV treatment group and control group; CCK8 was used to detect cell proliferation rate under different concentration gradients, scratch assay was used to detect HTFs migration ability, and flow cytometry was used to detect HTFs apoptosis and cell cycle.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate of HTFs in the ACV-treated group(final concentrations were 1.125, 2.25, 3.375, 4.5mmol/L)was significantly reduced(P<0.05)and was concentration-dependent. The scratch closure rate in the ACV-treated group(final concentrations were 4.5mmol/L)was significantly reduced(P<0.05), the apoptosis rate was significantly increased(P=0.0005), the peak value of the cell cycle G0 / G1 increased(P=0.0011), and the S-phase decreased(P=0.0006). The cell cycle is blocked in the G0/G1 phase.

CONCLUSION: Acyclovir can promote cell apoptosis by blocking the cell cycle of HTFs, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of HTFs.