In the future, AI analyzes will help develop vaccines that remain effective even if the virus mutates. Image: keystone
June 5, 2026, 3:06 p.mJune 5, 2026, 3:06 p.m
For the first time ever, researchers have succeeded in designing a new type of vaccine using artificial intelligence and testing it on people. Opposite the English news channel BBC The University of Cambridge said that an AI application had provided the crucial building block for a vaccine that would work against all variants of the coronavirus.
While conventional vaccines are usually based on already known virus strains and therefore only protect against these variants or against closely related variants, the new vaccine should also be able to protect against future mutations.
The researchers from Cambridge used genetic data from various known coronaviruses from surveillance programs and had them analyzed by an AI. From this, the AI developed a so-called superantigen, which is intended to broadly protect the immune system against the entire virus family and also possible new or mutated variants.
“Fundamental change in our pandemic preparation”
The vaccine has already been tested for tolerability on 39 people, and a second test phase on 200 test subjects is imminent, according to the University of Cambridge. “We are trying to be one step ahead,” Professor Jonathan Heeney of the University of Cambridge told the BBC, calling the latest research success a “fundamental change in our pandemic preparation.”
The tests that have already been carried out only show a minor reaction of the immune system to the vaccination, but the results are “exciting” and have “definite potential,” as a researcher involved told the BBC.
External researchers such as immunologist Andy Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, also speak of “fascinating data”. Pollard, who was not involved in the development, even speaks of artificial intelligence as a “game changer” in future vaccine research. (July)