A vaccine whose active component was designed entirely through computer simulations has been tested in humans for the first time, in what researchers say could mark a new approach to preparing for future pandemics.
The vaccine, developed by the University of Cambridge and its spin-out company DIOSynVax, is designed to protect against Sarbeco coronaviruses, the group that includes SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as related viruses found in animals.
The Phase I trial involved 39 healthy volunteers and found that the vaccine was safe and caused no significant side effects, according to the University of Cambridge. The results have been published in the Journal of Infection.
Researchers say the technology uses an AI-designed “super-antigen”, created by analysing genetic sequence data from Sarbeco coronaviruses collected through surveillance programmes around the world. The aim is to identify features shared across the virus family, including viruses that have not yet emerged in humans.
Unlike conventional vaccines, which are usually designed around known strains or variants, the Cambridge team says the new method seeks to anticipate future threats by targeting parts of a virus family that are less likely to change.
“We’ve converted vaccine development from being reactive to being future proof,” said Professor Jonathan Heeney, from the Lab of Viral Zoonotics at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and scientific lead of the research.
The vaccine triggered immune responses not only to SARS-CoV-2 and SARS, but also to related bat viruses that could potentially spill over into humans. Further development will be needed before any vaccine based on the technology could be considered for wider use.
The experimental jab was administered as a DNA vaccine through a needle-free microfluidic jet, a system that uses a high-pressure stream of liquid to deliver the vaccine into the skin.
A larger Phase II trial is expected to assess whether the vaccine can generate stronger and broader immune responses in a more diverse group of participants.
Professor Saul Faust, from the University of Southampton and chief investigator of the trial, said viruses such as influenza, coronaviruses and Ebola-related viruses continue to evolve, while current vaccine systems often struggle to keep pace.
The Cambridge team is also applying the same technology to vaccine candidates for seasonal flu, pandemic influenza threats, haemorrhagic fever viruses and other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Scientists say the research remains at an early stage, but argue that AI-assisted vaccine design could help reduce the need for repeated reformulation and allow health systems to prepare before new viral threats spread widely.
Source: CNA
