Researchers from China have created an innovative AI platform named ImmuneAgent, aimed at discovering antibodies capable of neutralizing various viral strains. Traditionally, identifying broadly effective antibodies involves extensive laboratory testing that can take months. In contrast, ImmuneAgent efficiently scans genetic sequences from human B cells—immune cells responsible for antibody production—to pinpoint potential candidates for further investigation by scientists.
Initially, the team examined around 12,000 B cells from eight individuals who had been vaccinated against COVID-19. ImmuneAgent then identified 60 antibody candidates. Out of these, 39 showed an affinity for the spike protein of the coronavirus, while six demonstrated the ability to neutralize several variants, including XBB.1.5, dubbed "Kraken," and JN.1, despite the donors having never been exposed to those specific variants.
Subsequently, the researchers utilized a public dataset derived from 12 individuals vaccinated against influenza, leading ImmuneAgent to select 50 antibody candidates. Among these, twenty were effective against seasonal H1N1, and six were able to neutralize the H5N1 bird flu in laboratory settings.
The team proceeded to test five of the identified antibodies on mice. The mice were administered one of the antibodies 24 hours prior to exposure to a lethal dose of H1N1 influenza. Remarkably, all 30 mice that received treatment survived, while none in the control groups did. For context, MEDI8852—a broadly neutralizing antibody discovered using traditional methods—also achieved 100% protection in a similar experiment. However, the development of MEDI8852 took four years to progress from a donor blood sample to clinical trials, a timeframe that is still considered impressively rapid for conventional antibody discovery processes.
It is important to note that this study remains in the preclinical phase, and the AI-selected antibodies have yet to be proven safe or effective for human use. Nonetheless, these findings indicate that AI could significantly accelerate the identification of beneficial antibodies generated by the human immune system, potentially enabling researchers to respond more swiftly to newly emerging viral threats.
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