Background Remodeling of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft usually takes longer than expected. Gene therapy offers a radical different approach to remodeling of the graft. In this study, the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequence was used to construct a new recombinant adenovirus which permits co-expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) genes (named Ad-VEGF165-1RES-TGFβ1). We investigated the effects of the new adenovirus on the migration of and matrix synthesis by ACL fibroblasts.Methods Adenoviral vector containing TGFβ1 and VEGF165 genes was constructed. ACL fibroblasts were obtained from New Zealand white rabbits. After ACL fibroblasts were exposed to Ad-VEGF165-1RES-TGFβ1, the expression of VEGF165 and TGFβ1 proteins were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting analysis. Bioassay of VEGF165 and TGFβ1 proteins were assessed by Western blotting analysis. Proliferation and migration of ACL fibroblasts were assessed by in vitro wound closure assay. Gene expression of collagen type I, collagen type Ⅲ, and fibronectin mRNA among matrix markers were assessed by real-time PCR.Results The results showed the successful construction of a recombinant co-expression adenovirus vector containing TGFβI and VEGF165 genes. Co-expression of TGFβ1 and VEGF165 can induce relatively rapid and continuous proliferation of ACL fibroblasts and high gene expression of collagen type Ⅰ, collagen typeⅢ, and fibronectin mRNA among matrix markers.Conclusion Co-expression of TGFβ1 and VEGF165 genes has more powerful and efficient effects on the migration of and matrix synthesis by ACL fibroblasts.