The
development is aimed at creating universal protection against coronaviruses,
including all known variants of COVID-19, as well as viruses circulating among
animals and potentially capable of causing new outbreaks of diseases among
humans.
Scientists
note that traditional vaccines are created based on existing virus strains. However,
due to the constant mutations of the infectious agents, the effectiveness of
such drugs may decrease over time, which requires their regular updating.
In the new
study, experts used genetic data from a variety of coronaviruses collected as
part of monitoring programs for potential viral threats. Artificial
intelligence analyzed this data and developed a so-called
"superantigen", a key element of the vaccine that can train the
immune system to recognize a wide range of viruses, including their future
mutations.
According
to the authors of the project, this approach will ensure protection not only
from existing viruses, but also from new infections that may occur as a result
of virus transmission from animals to humans.
The results
of the study are published in the scientific journal Journal of Infection. At
the first stage of clinical trials involving 39 volunteers, scientists assessed
the safety of the vaccine. In the near future, it is planned to conduct a
second stage of research involving about 200 people, which will determine the
effectiveness of the drug and its ability to form a broad immune response.
In addition
to a universal vaccine against coronaviruses, the research team is already
working on the development of similar drugs to protect against influenza and
Ebola.
