For the first time, a vaccine designed entirely by artificial intelligence has been shown to be safe and to trigger an immune response in humans, marking a potential turning point in how the world prepares for viral threats. The early stage trial, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, tested a universal vaccine aimed at protecting against an entire family of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and related bat viruses that could one day jump to humans.
The Phase 1 study involved 39 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 50 who received a DNA-based vaccine delivered through a needle-free microfluidic jet system. Results showed that participants developed immune responses not only to SARS-CoV-2 and SARS but also to bat coronaviruses not yet circulating in humans. The vaccine is built around what researchers call an AI-designed “super-antigen,” which uses machine learning and viral genetic data from global surveillance programs to target shared features across multiple virus strains. This approach is intended to move beyond traditional vaccines, which are typically designed around specific circulating strains and often require frequent updates as viruses mutate.
“We’ve converted vaccine development from being reactive to being future-proof,” said Jonathan Heeney, the Cambridge researcher leading the project. “Our vaccines will continue to provide protection against viruses even as they mutate into new strains.” The platform, developed by the university and spin-out company DIOSynVax (DVX) Ltd, is designed to be adaptable to other virus families as well, including Ebola and influenza. The needle-free delivery system used in the trial could also simplify deployment in mass vaccination campaigns.
Researchers caution that further work is needed before the vaccine can reach the public. Larger Phase 2 trials will be required to evaluate immune responses across more diverse populations and to confirm how long protection lasts. But if successful, the platform could reduce the need for repeated vaccine reformulation and strengthen global preparedness against future outbreaks caused by unknown or emerging pathogens. The study was funded primarily by Innovate UK and supported by clinical research infrastructure in Cambridge and Southampton.