Researchers at Iowa State University are leveraging artificial intelligence to combat rapidly evolving livestock viruses, paving the way for next-generation vaccines designed to stay effective against mutating pathogens.
Led by Ratul Chowdhury, assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering, the research focuses on tackling the highly adaptive Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus—one of the most economically damaging swine diseases globally, costing the pork industry over $1 billion annually.
The PRRS virus is known for its rapid mutation rate, allowing it to evade immune defenses and making traditional vaccines less effective. “The virus shape shifts,” said Chowdhury. “It constantly alters its structure to escape detection, making it extremely challenging to control.”
To address this, Chowdhury’s team uses AI-driven simulations to analyze viral-host interactions and predict how viruses may evolve. This approach enables researchers to identify critical viral components, known as epitopes, that can be targeted to create more resilient vaccines capable of protecting against multiple variants.
The research is supported by the Nanovaccine Institute at Iowa State and utilizes extensive animal health data from the university’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory—one of the largest livestock diagnostic centers in the United States.
Using advanced computational modeling, the team has screened millions of potential protein structures, significantly accelerating vaccine design. In one study, researchers identified 75 epitopes and developed 56 potential immunogens for PRRS, while parallel research on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in poultry led to the creation of multi-epitope vaccine candidates.
“This technology allows us to read the virus like a blueprint,” Chowdhury explained. “We can identify which parts remain stable and which enable infection, helping us design vaccines that stay effective even as the virus evolves.”
The research has already attracted interest from multiple animal health companies, with plans underway for real-world testing, including a PRRS vaccine trial at an Iowa State swine facility later this year.
Industry collaboration plays a key role in advancing the work. Mike Roof, Chief Technology Officer for vaccines and immunotherapies at Iowa State, brings extensive industry experience to guide the research toward commercial viability.
“This is a novel and cost-effective approach to identifying vaccine targets,” said Roof. “It has the potential to significantly accelerate development timelines and improve outcomes across the animal health sector.”
Looking ahead, the team aims to expand its AI-driven platforms to support vaccine development for a wide range of livestock diseases, including avian influenza and other emerging threats. The goal is to create scalable, adaptable tools that can be used by industry partners to respond quickly to evolving pathogens.
With strong institutional support, rich data resources, and growing industry collaboration, Iowa State’s research is positioned to play a critical role in advancing animal health and strengthening global food security.
