Vaccine made by AI will shield against mutations [View all]

The breakthrough at Cambridge paves the way for protection against viruses that have not even evolved

https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/vaccine-ai-future-proof-mutations-0jkqq60kc

https://archive.ph/x3Wfq


Alamy

A vaccine that can protect against future mutations of viruses has been designed using artificial intelligence and trialled in humans for the first time, University of Cambridge researchers have announced. It paves the way for the development of “universal vaccines” that could protect against a wide range of variants of a particular family of viruses such as Ebola or coronaviruses, including those that have not yet evolved and emerged, academics have said.

Scientists at the university have announced “the first human clinical trial of a universal Sarbeco coronavirus vaccine”, referring to a group that includes Covid-causing viruses. In an early phase-one trial of 39 people to assess the safety of the vaccine, researchers found no significant side-effects.

The vaccine not only triggered immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19, and Sars, but also to a related group of bat viruses that may jump to humans in future. A second trial, of 200 people, will focus on the strength of the immune response the vaccine can produce.


A volunteer receives the trial vaccine at Cambridge University

A Cambridge University spokesman said: “This trial proves the safety of an entirely new way of designing vaccines. The technology uses an AI-designed ‘super-antigen’ to provide lasting protection against a broad range of viruses … even as they mutate. “Vaccines developed in this way could protect against future emerging virus threats. The technology also reduces the need for frequent reformulation.”

No more ‘tail-chasing’.............................

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