Researchers used AI and known genetic codes to develop new vaccines

Researchers analyzed antigens from a family of viruses to create a ‘super-antigen’
New development method could help quickly create new, safe pandemic vaccines
AI vaccines could be developed to combat Ebola, seasonal flu viruses and bird flu

In a world first, researchers at the University of Cambridge have used artificial intelligence to develop a new vaccine.

Using genetic code collected through global virus surveillance programs, researchers have pieced together an AI-powered “super-antigen” that can defend the human body against an entire family of pathogens – even if they mutate.

The vaccine has already undergone a human trial targeting coronaviruses, and the results show that while the effects on the immune system have been “modest,” the science shows great promise as a way to quickly develop vaccines against viruses capable of infecting at pandemic levels.

First stages of AI-developed vaccines

The research team from the University of Cambridge used an AI model to analyze the antigens present in a family of viruses. Similar to the DNA in our cells, antigens are the parts of viruses that the immune system recognizes in order to trigger an immune response.

If the immune system does not recognize an antigen as hostile, then the virus can replicate quickly and cause infection. The same may be true if a virus evolves or mutates, because the immune system will not immediately recognize the new antigen.

“We are still behind,” said Professor Jonathan Heeney, of the University of Cambridge. BBC News. “What we’re trying to do is get ahead of the curve. It’s about making vaccines that protect us, not just against today’s viruses, but also against what might cause the next outbreak or disease. This is a fundamental shift in how we prepare for pandemics.”

The vaccine is expected to undergo a second trial involving 200 people to better understand its effects on the human body and its effectiveness in fighting viral infections.

Professor Saul Faust, who carried out some of the trials at the University of Southampton, said: “What’s really interesting is that the technology is much better at designing vaccines against potential pandemics when viruses evolve. »

While typical development of a vaccine for a new virus can take more than a decade and hundreds of millions of dollars, it is hoped that AI can help quickly develop safe and broadly effective vaccines, reducing the need to develop highly specialized vaccines to target specific viruses, and instead develop a single vaccine to target an entire viral family.

The technology also shows promise in treating viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola, as well as vaccines for seasonal flu and the H5N1 avian flu virus, which has the potential to evolve to infect humans, which experts say could cause a global pandemic.

Google logo on black background next to text