AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine shows safety and immune response in first human trial

Researchers from Cambridge and Southampton used AI to design a ‘super-antigen’ vaccine intended to protect against multiple Sarbeco coronaviruses. In a Phase I trial, the vaccine was safe and elicited immune responses in 39 healthy volunteers when delivered via a needle-free micro-fluid jet, suggesting a potential future-proof solution against current and emerging coronaviruses, though larger and more diverse trials are needed and concerns about AI in medicine remain.