University of Cambridge researchers have launched the world's first human trial of a vaccine whose key component was designed entirely by AI. The vaccine targets all coronaviruses, including variants and potential animal-to-human spillovers.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have launched the world's first human trial of a vaccine whose key component was designed entirely by artificial intelligence. The vaccine is engineered to protect against all coronaviruses, including all COVID variants and potential animal-to-human viruses that could spark the next pandemic.
Traditional vaccines are designed based on currently circulating virus strains, but coronaviruses mutate rapidly, rendering vaccines obsolete. The Cambridge team used AI to analyze genetic codes from a range of coronaviruses collected by surveillance programs. The AI then designed a 'super-antigen' that trains the immune system to recognize the entire virus family, even after mutation or cross-species transmission.
This is the first time an AI-designed antigen has been trialed in humans. If successful, the approach could be applied to develop universal vaccines for flu, Ebola, and other virus families. However, the work is still in early stages, and safety and efficacy must be confirmed.