AI-Designed Vaccine Targets Coronavirus Family, Early Trial Shows Promise

Researchers at the University of Cambridge used AI to design a DNA-based vaccine targeting immutable components of the sarbecovirus family (which includes SARS and SARS-CoV-2). In a small first-in-human trial with 39 participants, the AI-designed vaccine activated antibodies and was well tolerated across doses, suggesting potential for a universal coronavirus vaccine, though the durability and magnitude of protection require further study.