BACKGROUNDLung cancer cells can upregulate the expression of Fas ligand (FasL) and counterattack tumor-infiltration lymphocyte (TIL) expressing Fas via the FasL/Fas pathway, therefore escape from immunosurveillance and impair local anti-tumor immune capacity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of reducing FasL expression on T cell apoptosis in lung cancer cell line H460 via small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology.

METHODSIn vitro chemically synthesized siRNA targeting FasL as well as constructed plasmid vector were transfected into H460 cells, wherein the interfering effect and alterations in T cell apoptosis were observed.

RESULTSSequence-specific interfering effect was detected at RNA and protein levels by RT-PCR and Western blot in the H460 si group, and the reduction of FasL expression was capable of rescuing T cell apoptosis induced by lung cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONSFasL can be utilized as a new target in gene therapy of lung cancer.