A new universal coronavirus vaccine has completed its first human clinical trial, representing a key advance toward broader protection against future outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and the spinout company DIOSynVax (DVX) Ltd developed the experimental vaccine and tested it on 39 healthy volunteers, finding it to be safe with no serious side effects.
Unlike standard vaccines that target a single strain, this experimental vaccine—developed by the University of Cambridge and spinout company DIOSynVax (DVX) Ltd—aims to protect against multiple sarbeco coronaviruses. These include SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, and related bat coronaviruses with pandemic potential.
Results showed it triggered immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and even bat coronaviruses not yet known to infect humans.
The study was published in the Journal of Infection.
First Human Trial of AI-Designed Vaccine Marks Key Milestone
The study also marked a major milestone: researchers at the University of Cambridge and DIOSynVax (DVX) Ltd achieved the first human testing of a vaccine whose active ingredient was entirely designed using computer simulations, a process often referred to as in silico vaccine design.
Researchers applied artificial intelligence and machine learning to create what they describe as a “super-antigen,” the vaccine component that teaches the immune system to recognize pathogens.
Instead of targeting a single strain, the AI system analyzed genetic data from Sarbeco coronaviruses gathered through global surveillance and identified shared traits across the virus family. It then combined these features into one engineered antigen.
The aim is to provide protection not only against existing viruses but also against future variants that have yet to appear.
The researchers said the trial demonstrates the safety of a new vaccine design approach using an AI-generated super-antigen to deliver broad, long-lasting protection across rapidly evolving virus groups such as Sarbeco coronaviruses and potentially Ebola.
They also suggest this strategy could be extended to other virus families, including influenza and Ebola.
Why Current Vaccines Need Frequent Updates Due to Evolving Viruses
Many existing vaccines, such as those for seasonal flu and updated COVID-19 shots, are based on virus strains already in circulation. “Because viruses constantly evolve, scientists must regularly reformulate and update these vaccines.”
Professor Jonathan Heeney of the Lab of Viral Zoonotics at the University of Cambridge, who led the study, said this new method could address that limitation.
He explained that vaccine development has now shifted from a reactive process to one designed to anticipate future threats, with vaccines intended to remain effective even as viruses mutate. He added that this approach breaks the “catch-up” cycle of repeatedly updating vaccines to match new variants.
By focusing on shared characteristics across an entire virus family, the researchers aim to create longer-lasting protection against emerging strains.
Participants aged 18 to 50 received the vaccine at NIHR Clinical Research Facilities in Southampton and Cambridge. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust sponsored the trial.
Needle-Free DNA Vaccine Delivery May Improve Comfort and Mass Immunization
The vaccine’s AI-designed super-antigen can adapt to different delivery methods. In this study, researchers administered it as a DNA vaccine using a needle-free microfluidic jet system, which may be more comfortable for some people and could simplify mass vaccination efforts.
Prior animal studies showed the vaccine could trigger strong immune responses against multiple coronaviruses.
Researchers still need to conduct further testing before approving the vaccine for public use. They plan a larger Phase 2 trial to assess immune responses in a more diverse group and confirm its broad protective potential.
Scientists say the demand for broader vaccine protection is increasingly urgent, as many high-risk viruses continue to circulate in animal populations worldwide.
Professor Saul Faust of the University of Southampton said rapidly evolving viruses such as influenza, coronaviruses, and Ebola-related pathogens can outpace vaccine updates, leaving reactive systems struggling to keep up.
Universal Vaccines Aim to Provide “Future-Proof” Protection Against Multiple Variants
He explained that universal vaccines could change this approach by offering “future-proof” protection—targeting multiple variants at once and potentially defending against related viruses before they spill over into humans.
He added that developing and advancing such vaccines ahead of outbreaks could save millions of lives, prevent lockdowns, and reduce major economic disruption.
Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, called the results a major breakthrough, saying the AI-designed super-antigen trial marks an important step toward broad, long-lasting protection against viral disease. She highlighted that collaboration between the life sciences sector and NIHR clinical research facilities in Cambridge and Southampton enabled the work to advance safely and quickly toward patient use.
Researchers also highlighted that SARS-CoV-2 and other Sarbeco coronaviruses remain ongoing public health risks, while many animal viruses continue to pose spillover threats, even though predicting the next outbreak remains impossible.
The project was mainly funded by Innovate UK. DIOSynVax (founded 2017 as a University of Cambridge spinout supported by Cambridge Enterprise) develops synthetic vaccines for influenza, hemorrhagic fevers, and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Professor Jonathan Heeney of the University of Cambridge, a Fellow of Darwin College, leads the research.
