ObjectiveTo investigate target gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsHerpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVTK) gene was inserted into the gene of AFP enhancer/ALB promoter with adenoassociated virus (AAV) plasmid (WAV2) as a carrier, and a hybrid plasmid pWAV2/AFPALB/HYTK was constructed. Besides, plasmid pEGFP1/AFPALB was also constructed. Two kinds of plasmids were transferred into AFP positive cells HepG2 and AFP negative cells 7721, SPC and 7901.ResultsIt was found that enhance green fluorescence protein could only be seen in AFP positive cells HepG2. 710 bp DNA was amplified only in AFP positive HepG2 cells.ConclusionPlasmid pWAV2/AFPALB/HYTK for HCC demonstrates specificity in vitro.