London, June 7 (SANA) Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed an AI-designed broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccine that demonstrated encouraging safety and immune responses in an early human trial, a development researchers say could strengthen preparedness for future pandemics.
According to ScienceDaily, the vaccine, developed in collaboration with Cambridge-based biotechnology company DIOSynVax, was tested on 39 healthy volunteers. Researchers found that it triggered immune responses against a broad range of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS and related bat coronaviruses that could pose future pandemic risks.
The researchers said the vaccine is based on a “super antigen” designed entirely using artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. The AI system analyzed shared genetic features across multiple coronaviruses to identify targets capable of generating broad immune protection against both known viruses and potential future variants.
Professor Jonathan Heeney, who led the study at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, said the approach represents a shift from reactive vaccine development toward proactive protection against entire virus families.
The study found the vaccine to be safe and well tolerated, with no serious side effects reported. However, researchers said larger Phase II clinical trials would be needed to further assess immune responses across more diverse population groups.
Researchers added that the approach could also be used to develop universal vaccines against other viruses, including influenza and Ebola, potentially improving global preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks.
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