Researchers at the University of Cambridge have used Artificial Intelligence to develop what they describe as a fundamentally new type of vaccine intended to protect against broad groups of viruses and help prevent future pandemics. The vaccine was engineered to work across coronaviruses, including Covid variants and animal viruses that could potentially jump into humans. The work remains at an early stage, but the team is already exploring related vaccines for flu and Ebola.
The approach differs from conventional vaccine design, which normally starts with a current strain of a virus. Cambridge researchers analysed known genetic codes from a range of coronaviruses identified through surveillance programmes tracking possible viral threats. Artificial Intelligence then designed a “super-antigen” intended to train the immune system against a whole family of viruses, including versions that mutate or emerge from animals. Prof Jonathan Heeney said this was the first time an antigen designed by Artificial Intelligence had been trialled in people, describing the work as a fundamental shift in pandemic preparedness.
The trials, in 39 people, were designed to assess if such vaccines were safe. A second study, involving around 200 people, will give a greater understanding of how well it is training the immune system. Findings in the Journal of Infection described the immune system impact as “modest,” but researchers involved in the work said the design shows promise, particularly for viruses that change rapidly.
The Cambridge team is also carrying out animal research on universal seasonal flu vaccines that would not need annual adaptation, along with a bird flu vaccine in case the virus devastating bird populations becomes a human pandemic threat. Researchers are also looking at vaccines for viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola species. External experts said Artificial Intelligence could become a game changer for vaccine research by helping predict immune responses and accelerating development, while UK officials pointed to the trial as an example of combining scientific expertise with Artificial Intelligence to support future treatments.
