Solvent-induced virus inactivation by acidic arginine solution.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Virology
• Pharmaceutical Science

Background:

• Viral clearance is critical for parenteral protein biopharmaceuticals.
• Current virus inactivation methods include low pH, detergent/solvent wash, and pasteurization.
• Detergent/solvent wash is also used for superficial infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the virus inactivation effects of acidic arginine on HSV type 2 (HSV-2).
• To determine the influence of pH and temperature on arginine's antiviral efficacy.
• To identify conditions for effective virus inactivation compatible with in vivo applications.

Main Methods:

• Aqueous arginine solutions (0.7 M) were tested against HSV-2.
• Experiments were conducted varying pH and temperature.
• Antiviral efficacy was compared to citrate-based solutions.

Main Results:

• 0.7 M aqueous arginine demonstrated high efficacy in HSV-2 inactivation.
• Inactivation was more pronounced at lower pH and higher temperatures.
• Arginine's effects surpassed those of 0.1 M citrate, 0.1 M citrate/0.6 M NaCl, and 0.7 M citrate across tested conditions.
• Arginine's efficacy is attributed to unique properties causing irreversible virus particle damage, not solely ionic strength or concentration.

Conclusions:

• Arginine exhibits potent, unique virus inactivation properties.
• Acidic arginine conditions are effective against HSV-2.
• These findings suggest potential in vivo applications for treating superficial viral infections, such as genital herpes.