DistantNews
Support us
Cambridge: AI-designed vaccine aims to prevent future pandemics
🇬🇷 Greece /Health & Science

Cambridge: AI-designed vaccine aims to prevent future pandemics

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a novel vaccine using artificial intelligence designed to protect against a broad range of viruses, potentially preventing future pandemics.
  • The AI-designed vaccine targets all coronaviruses, including COVID-19 variants, and viruses that could jump from animals to humans.
  • Early human trials are underway, with scientists also developing separate AI-designed vaccines for influenza and Ebola.

A groundbreaking vaccine, designed entirely by artificial intelligence, holds the potential to combat a wide spectrum of viruses and avert future pandemics, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge.

This "fundamentally new" type of vaccine represents a significant leap in preventative medicine. Unlike traditional vaccines that target specific virus strains, this AI-developed vaccine is engineered to create a "super-antigen." This antigen trains the human immune system to recognize and defend against entire families of viruses, even those that mutate rapidly or have yet to emerge as threats. Researchers are particularly focused on coronaviruses, including all variants of COVID-19, and viruses with zoonotic potential, those that can transmit from animals to humans and could spark the next global health crisis.

We are always one step behind. What we are trying to do is get ahead of the curve.

— Professor Jonathan HeeneyExplaining the motivation behind developing a proactive, AI-designed vaccine.

Professor Jonathan Heeney of the University of Cambridge highlighted the proactive nature of this approach. "We are always one step behind," he stated, explaining the goal is to "get ahead of the curve" and establish protection before new epidemics or pandemics arise. The AI analyzed genetic codes from various coronaviruses identified through surveillance programs, which track potential viral dangers. This analysis allowed the AI to design an antigen capable of providing broad protection, addressing the limitations of current vaccines that often require frequent updates due to viral mutations, such as those for COVID-19 and seasonal flu.

While the research is still in its early stages, initial human trials have begun. A study involving 39 participants focused on safety, with a larger trial of approximately 200 individuals planned to further assess the immune system's response. The Cambridge team is also developing separate AI-designed vaccines for influenza and the Ebola virus, demonstrating the versatility of this innovative technology. "This is a fundamental shift in how we prepare for pandemics," Heeney added, expressing optimism about the technology's capacity to benefit humanity.

This is a fundamental shift in how we prepare for pandemics.

— Professor Jonathan HeeneyDescribing the significance of the AI-driven vaccine development.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog