UK Scientists Develop World's First Vaccine Designed By AI: Here's How It Works

Last Updated:June 05, 2026, 14:45 IST

The Cambridge team said it was the first time a vaccine's key component had been designed entirely by AI and then trialled in people.

A team at the UK’s University of Cambridge have developed a “fundamentally new" type of vaccine using artificial intelligence that could be used against several viruses and prevent pandemics.

The team said it was the first time a vaccine’s key component had been designed entirely by AI and then trialled in people. The vaccine was engineered to work on all coronaviruses as well as those that currently infect animals, but have the potential to start a new pandemic, according to the BBC.

Scientists said the vaccine was still in its early stages, but the team is already developing similar vaccines that could help in preventing the flu and Ebola.

How Does The Vaccine Work?

The researchers at Cambridge collected genetic codes from a range of coronaviruses that had been previously recorded by surveillance programmes for developing the vaccine. The genetic codes were then analysed by an AI.

The AI system used for the vaccine designed a “super-antigen" that could train the immune system in such a way that it could provide protection against a family of viruses, even if they mutated.

Professor Jonathan Heeney from the University of Cambridge said it was the first time an antigen designed by AI had been trialled in people. He told BBC that the technology was “surprising all of us" and it was “amazing what we can do with it for the good of humanity".

“This is about making vaccines that protect us, not just from today’s viruses, but protect us from what can cause the next outbreak or disease. This is a fundamental shift in how we prepare for pandemics," he said.

What Are Its Challenges?

One of the challenges of this vaccine is that some viruses are adept at changing their appearance or mutating, which makes many vaccines outdated. Professor Heeney acknowledged the issue, adding that the team was trying to “get ahead of the curve."

At least 39 people were involved in the first trial to assess is such vaccines are safe. The findings detailed in the Journal of Infection said the impact on the immune system was “modest".

Prof Saul Faust, who performed some of the trials at the University of Southampton, said the AI design “definitely has potential" and was “really exciting". The team is already performing animal research on universal seasonal flu vaccines that would not need to be adapted every year and an H5N1-bird flu vaccine.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int...Read More

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