LONDON: Scientists have used artificial intelligence to develop a next-generation vaccine that could provide protection against a broad range of mutating viruses and help prevent future pandemics.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge announced a breakthrough in vaccine design by using AI to create a key vaccine component, known as an antigen, and testing it in humans for the first time.
Unlike conventional vaccines that target a specific virus, the new approach analyzes the genetic codes of multiple known coronaviruses to create a single “super-antigen.” The goal is to train the immune system to recognize and fight an entire family of viruses, including those that may mutate or jump from animals to humans.
Initial safety trials involving 39 volunteers found the vaccine to be safe. Researchers said the findings, published in the Journal of Infection, showed a modest but encouraging immune response.
“We're trying to get ahead of the curve, so far ahead that we could protect against new outbreaks or pandemics,” said Prof. Jonathan Heeney of the University of Cambridge.
A larger follow-up study involving 200 participants is now underway to determine how effectively the vaccine trains the human immune system and whether it can provide broader protection against future coronavirus threats.
Scientists believe the AI-driven approach could transform vaccine development for rapidly evolving viruses. Researchers are already exploring its use in seasonal influenza vaccines, which could potentially eliminate the need for annual vaccine updates.
The technology is also being applied to viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola-related diseases for which effective vaccines are still lacking in some strains.
Prof. Andy Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and not involved in the study, described the findings as encouraging.
“It’s fascinating data, and people would not have predicted they’d be able to generate these immune responses,” Pollard told BBC News. He added that artificial intelligence could become a “game changer” for vaccine research by helping scientists predict immune responses before vaccines are manufactured, accelerating development and potentially saving lives.
Experts note that human immune systems are far more complex than those of laboratory animals, making clinical trials the ultimate test of the technology.
Nevertheless, many researchers believe AI has the potential to dramatically speed up vaccine develo0pment and improve preparedness for future health emergencies.
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Prof Marian Knight said the successful trial of the AI-designed super-antigen represents “a pivotal leap forward” in efforts to provide broad and lasting protection against emerging viral threats.
