Artificial intelligence has been used to create a new type of vaccine designed to provide protection against entire families of viruses, marking what researchers describe as a major step forward in pandemic preparedness. Get today's headlines by email Scientists at the University of Cambridge say the vaccine is the first to have its central antigen component designed entirely by AI before being tested in human volunteers. The approach aims to generate protection not only against existing viruses but also against future variants and emerging pathogens that could trigger new outbreaks. Targeting Entire Virus FamiliesTraditional vaccines are typically developed using a specific strain of a virus. However, rapidly mutating viruses can reduce vaccine effectiveness over time, requiring regular updates, as seen with Covid-19 and seasonal influenza vaccines. The Cambridge team used genetic sequences from a wide range of coronaviruses collected through surveillance programmes monitoring potential disease threats. An AI system analysed the data and designed a “super-antigen” intended to train the immune system to recognise characteristics shared across the coronavirus family. Researchers believe this could provide protection against known coronaviruses, including Covid-19 variants, as well as animal viruses that may one day spread to humans. Professor Jonathan Heeney said the goal is to move beyond responding to existing threats and instead prepare for future ones before they emerge. “This is about making vaccines that protect us, not just from today's viruses, but protect us from what can cause the next outbreak or disease,” he said. Early Human Trial ResultsThe first clinical trial involved 39 participants and was primarily designed to assess safety. A larger study involving about 200 people is now under way to provide more information about the vaccine's ability to stimulate immune responses. Results published in the Journal of Infection described the immune response as “modest”, but researchers say the findings remain encouraging given the early stage of development. Professor Saul Faust, who conducted some of the trials, said the technology showed significant promise, particularly for tackling rapidly changing viruses. Beyond Coronavirus ProtectionThe research team is already applying the same AI-based approach to other diseases. Studies in animals are examining universal influenza vaccines that would not require annual reformulation, as well as vaccines targeting H5N1 bird flu. Scientists are also investigating vaccines for viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola. One focus is a species involved in the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for which no vaccine has yet been developed. Experts See Major PotentialProfessor Andy Pollard, who was not involved in the research, said the approach had already produced compelling results in animal studies and that the key test would be whether those findings can be replicated in humans. More broadly, he said AI could transform vaccine development by helping scientists predict immune responses more quickly and accurately. Professor Marian Knight described the trial as a significant advance in efforts to provide broad and lasting protection against viral diseases. Meanwhile, Science Minister Lord Vallance said the project demonstrated how AI and scientific research could be combined to develop new medical treatments and potentially accelerate vaccine deployment worldwide. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 5 June 2026
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