Scientists at the University of Cambridge have created what they describe as a fundamentally new vaccine type using artificial intelligence to design its core component, marking the first time such a vaccine has undergone human trials. The AI-designed vaccine targets coronaviruses broadly, including all Covid variants and animal viruses with pandemic potential.
The traditional vaccine development process relies on designing vaccines based on current virus strains. The Cambridge team instead collected genetic sequences from multiple coronaviruses identified through surveillance programs monitoring potential viral threats. These sequences were analyzed by artificial intelligence, which then designed a “super-antigen” capable of training the immune system to recognize and protect against an entire family of viruses, even accounting for mutations or cross-species transmission.
The initial safety trials involved 39 people, with findings published in the Journal of Infection indicating the immune impact was “modest.” A second study with approximately 200 participants will provide greater insight into immune system training effectiveness. Researchers expressed optimism about the approach, with Prof Jonathan Heeney noting the goal is to get ahead of viral threats rather than perpetually responding to existing ones.
The research team is expanding beyond coronaviruses, with ongoing animal studies for universal seasonal flu vaccines that would not require annual updates and an H5N1 bird flu vaccine. Work is also underway on vaccines for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola species. External experts, including Prof Andy Pollard of the Oxford Vaccine Group, described the results as compelling, though noting that human immune systems present different challenges than laboratory models. Government officials characterized the work as a significant British scientific achievement with potential to accelerate global vaccine distribution.
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