Chinese Researchers Develop New Swine Vaccine
Why this is here: The team trained an AI model to predict vaccine effectiveness, achieving accuracy and sensitivity beyond expectations, ultimately streamlining the antigen selection process from 236 candidates to 128.
Nanjing Agricultural University researchers developed a new subunit vaccine for swine, addressing a common intestinal disease and breaking foreign technology monopolies. The team spent nearly ten years researching and developing the vaccine, targeting Porcine Circovirus type 2 and Swine Dysentery. They successfully isolated clinical strains of the bacteria causing Swine Dysentery, a challenge due to its intracellular parasitic nature.
Researchers utilized artificial intelligence to identify effective antigens from a large pool of candidates. They also adapted cell cultivation methods, enabling large-scale production. Trials conducted on over 18,000 piglets in Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces showed a 95.6% protection rate with an immunity period exceeding eight months.
The new vaccine reduces environmental contamination and improves pig growth rates. It is significantly more affordable than imported alternatives, offering economic benefits to farmers. The vaccine received clinical trial approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.