Chapter 17 - Artificial intelligence in vaccine development: Significance and challenges ahead

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The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of vaccine development has become ubiquitous due to the advent of new and fatal diseases. The health-care sector is prepared for any significant improvements. From infectious diseases and cancer to radiology and risk management, there are almost infinite ways to explore technologies to deploy more reliable, safe, and effective treatments at the right time in the treatment of a patient. As systems continue to expand, patients expect more from their clinicians. The amount of available data is continuing to grow at an unprecedented pace, and AI is set to be the catalyst that pushes advancements across the care spectrum. Learning algorithms can become more predictive and accurate as they engage with training data, enabling individuals to gain unparalleled insights into diagnostics, clinical procedures, treatment quality, and patient outcomes. AI provides a range of benefits over conventional theoretical and therapeutic decision-making methods. This field has become pivotal and revolutionary in the study of different pathogens, helping scientists in the discovery of potential antivirals and accelerating the deployment of vaccines as a frontline mechanism. Researchers can utilize the interactions between biological components with the help of AI. Today, the field of vaccine development has rapidly evolved, transcending beyond biological sciences and engineering. AI is considered as one of the predominant technologies that can help, analyze, and interpret crucial and viable genetic information. Furthermore, AI can aid in predicting the reaction and behavior of the target molecules in cells. AI comprises many computational methodologies to perform biological analysis. One such tool is artificial neural networks (ANNs). They work like biological neurons and carefully interact with the body. These ANNs can be trained by continuously feeding data and adjusting their connections. ANNs can help in the development of treatment strategies, prognosis of a disease, and treatment outcomes. Automated systems can also be developed to analyze large amounts of data. Thus, AI is a powerful tool that can advance and revolutionize the development of vaccines. Implementation of AI-based algorithms and networks in the R&D sector can assist in pharmaceutical applications. In this chapter, the significance of AI and its approaches in the field of vaccine development, highlighting the potential challenges and solutions, will be discussed.