Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed what they describe as a “fundamentally new” type of vaccine using artificial intelligence, raising hopes for broader protection against future pandemics and rapidly mutating viruses.
The vaccine, which has already undergone early-stage human trials, has been designed to provide protection against an entire family of coronaviruses rather than targeting a single strain. Scientists say the breakthrough marks the first time that the crucial component of a vaccine, known as an antigen, has been created entirely using artificial intelligence before being tested in humans.
According to researchers, the vaccine has the potential to guard against all Covid-19 variants as well as animal coronaviruses that could eventually spread to humans and trigger future outbreaks. The team believes the same technology could also be used to create universal vaccines for influenza, bird flu, and even deadly viral diseases such as Ebola.
Traditional vaccines are typically developed using an existing version of a virus. However, many viruses constantly mutate, forcing scientists to regularly update vaccines, as seen with seasonal flu and Covid booster shots. Researchers involved in the project said their goal is to move beyond this reactive approach and instead create vaccines that can anticipate future viral threats.
To achieve this, scientists collected genetic information from a wide range of coronaviruses identified through global surveillance programmes monitoring potential pandemic-causing viruses. Artificial intelligence was then used to analyse the data and design a “super-antigen” capable of training the immune system to recognise and fight multiple related viruses, even if they evolve or jump from animals to humans.
Professor Jonathan Heeney from the University of Cambridge said the technology could transform the way the world prepares for pandemics. He noted that scientists are often forced to play catch-up with rapidly evolving viruses, but AI could help researchers stay ahead by designing broader and longer-lasting protection.
Heeney described the findings as a major shift in vaccine development, saying the aim was not only to tackle present-day viruses but also future diseases that have not yet emerged. He added that the capabilities of artificial intelligence in this field had surprised researchers and opened new possibilities for global health protection.
The first human trial involved 39 participants and primarily focused on evaluating the vaccine’s safety. A larger study involving around 200 people is now underway to better understand how effectively the vaccine stimulates the immune system. Findings published in the Journal of Infection described the immune response as “modest,” though researchers and vaccine experts remain optimistic about the technology’s long-term potential.
Professor Saul Faust, who conducted part of the trials at the University of Southampton, called the AI-driven approach “really exciting” and said it showed strong promise for designing vaccines against rapidly changing viruses.
The Cambridge research team is already testing AI-designed vaccines for universal seasonal flu protection and H5N1 bird flu, amid concerns that the virus affecting bird populations worldwide could eventually spark a human pandemic. Scientists are also studying vaccines targeting viral haemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola strains for which no approved vaccine currently exists.
Experts not directly involved in the research also welcomed the development. Professor Andy Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said the findings from animal studies and early human trials were compelling and highlighted the growing role artificial intelligence could play in accelerating vaccine research.
Meanwhile, Professor Marian Knight of the National Institute for Health and Care Research described the trial as a significant step toward achieving broad and lasting protection against dangerous viruses. Science Minister Lord Vallance also praised the project, calling it another example of British scientific innovation combining research expertise with artificial intelligence to improve global healthcare outcomes.
