Fed-batch production of antiviral „OP7 chimera” defective interfering influenza A particles
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Influenza A virus (IAV) defective interfering particles (DIPs) are regarded as promising broad-spectrum antivirals due to their high efficacy demonstrated in animal trials. Previously, an “OP7 chimera” DIP was generated that showed markedly enhanced antiviral efficacy compared to conventional IAV DIPs. In addition, a high-yield cell culture-based production process for OP7 chimera DIPs was established in perfusion mode. However, due to the technical complexity of this technology, we aimed to combine the advantages of perfusion in terms of yield with that of a simple and less complex batch process. In the present work, we established a fed-batch production process for OP7 chimera DIPs that allows a more straightforward implementation into existing production facilities. Using a feeding regime that was able to overcome the cell density effect, we achieved productive virus infection in stirred tank reactors until a cell density of 10E+6 cells/mL. Furthermore, we obtained a high virus titer of 3.8 log 10 (HAU/100 µL), corresponding to a 3.4-fold increase compared to a reference batch production. Moreover, the produced material demonstrated a significantly increased interfering bioactivity shown by an in vitro potency assay. Interestingly, this efficacy was similarly high as compared to OP7 chimera DIP material previously produced in perfusion mode, despite twofold lower virus titers. Finally, we demonstrate robustness of OP7 chimera DIP seed virus trains, which is significant step towards later pharmaceutical production. Further, corresponding GMP “MDCK-PB2(sus)” cell and “OP7 chimera” virus banks are now available for later biomanufacturing further use. In conclusion, the established fed-batch process offers a valid n additional option for pharmaceutical grade OP7 chimera DIP GMP manufacturing production under GMP conditions required for subsequent clinical testing and for later large-scale manufacturing. Key points - Robustness of OP7 chimera DIP seed virus production confirmed for GMP manufacturing - Scalable fed-batch process enabled high infectious virus titers up to 7E+9 PFU/mL - OP7 chimera DIP material harvested demonstrated very high antiviral activity
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7215748593