A vaccine with a key component entirely designed by artificial intelligence has been trialed in people for the first time, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge. The development represents a novel approach to vaccine creation that could potentially protect against multiple virus families simultaneously.
The vaccine was engineered to provide protection against all coronaviruses, including Covid variants and animal viruses with pandemic potential. Researchers created the vaccine by analyzing genetic codes from various coronaviruses obtained through surveillance programs, then used AI to design a “super-antigen” capable of training the immune system against the entire coronavirus family, even accounting for mutations or cross-species transmission. The approach differs from traditional vaccine design, which typically focuses on current virus strains.
Initial safety trials involving 39 people showed the vaccine generated “modest” immune responses, though the findings have generated significant interest in the scientific community. A second study with approximately 200 participants will provide greater insight into immune system training effectiveness. Researchers noted the AI technology performed particularly well when designing vaccines for potential pandemics involving rapidly changing viruses.
The Cambridge team is expanding development efforts to additional pathogens. Animal research is underway on universal seasonal flu vaccines that would not require yearly adaptation and an H5N1 bird flu vaccine. Researchers are also investigating vaccines for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola species. Expert observers characterized the technology as having substantial potential to accelerate vaccine development and improve pandemic preparedness globally.
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