Yingtai: Four Core Advantages of Low-Temperature Sterilization for Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccines

Yingtai: Four Core Advantages of Low-Temperature Sterilization for Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccines  

I. Efficient Preservation of Antigen Activity  

Prevents Thermal Degradation of Heat-Sensitive Antigens  

The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins of the influenza virus are the primary antigenic components of vaccines. High-temperature sterilization (e.g., traditional formaldehyde inactivation at 37°C for 7 days) can easily cause protein denaturation or epitope loss. Low-temperature sterilization (e.g., 60°C for 6 hours) inactivates the virus through mild thermal effects, increasing HA antigen retention from 80% in traditional methods to 95%.  

Maintains Viral Structural Integrity  

Low-temperature treatment reduces viral envelope rupture, ensuring intact viral particle morphology. This enhances recognition by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), stimulating a stronger neutralizing antibody response.  

II. Enhanced Vaccine Safety  

Reduces Residual Chemical Inactivation Risks  

Traditional inactivation relies on formaldehyde or β-propiolactone, which may leave carcinogenic residues (e.g., formaldehyde-DNA adducts). Low-temperature physical inactivation eliminates chemical reagents, complying with WHO’s stringent vaccine safety standards.  

Lowers Endotoxin Contamination Risk  

High temperatures can trigger bacterial endotoxin release. Low-temperature sterilization combined with purification (e.g., size-exclusion chromatography) controls endotoxin levels to <0.25 EU/mL (compared to >1 EU/mL in traditional methods).  

III. Optimized Production Efficiency and Cost  

Shortens Production Cycles  

Traditional chemical inactivation takes 7–14 days, while low-temperature sterilization requires only 24–72 hours, increasing production capacity by over 30%.  

Reduces Energy Consumption and Equipment Requirements  

Low-temperature sterilization equipment (e.g., vacuum drying ovens) consumes 40% less energy than high-pressure sterilizers and eliminates the need for explosion-proof designs, cutting initial investment by 50%.  

IV. Improved Vaccine Protection  

Extends Immune Protection Duration  

Low-temperature inactivated vaccines exhibit higher HA antigen stability, extending antibody titer persistence from 6 months to 9–12 months post-vaccination, reducing booster dose needs.  

Potential for Enhanced Cross-Protection Against Viral Variants  

Preserved conserved antigenic epitopes (e.g., M1 protein) can induce cross-reactive immune responses, improving protection against variant strains (e.g., H3N2 drift) by 15%–20%.  

Conclusion  

Low-temperature sterilization achieves precise viral inactivation through controlled temperatures, offering significant advantages over traditional chemical methods in antigen preservation, safety, production efficiency, and immunogenicity. It represents a pivotal technological advancement for next-generation influenza vaccines.