It is shown that the maximal number of first-order symmetry operators for the Dirac equation (including spin symmetries), both in arbitrary signature flat space and in de Sitter space, is equal. The isomorphic representation of 11-dimensional nonlinear symmetry algebra (W-algebra) of first-order operators for the Dirac operator in flat space and de Sitter space is considered. The algebra is an extension of the Lie algebra of the group of pseudo-orthogonal rotations and this extension is unique. We have found all linear Lie subalgebras in the nonlinear algebra that satisfy the conditions of the noncommutative integration theorem. Using one subalgebra we have integrated the Dirac equation in the generalized spherical system of coordinates and have constructed the complete class of exact solutions. The solution is found by a method that differs from the variable separation method and is new in the literature. The massive particle spectrum, models of particle into antiparticle transmutation, the disappearance of particles and the quantization conditions of the motion are discussed.

One can use the results of the paper to pose the boundary problem for the Dirac equation in de Sitter space if the interval is used in the boundary condition. As an example, we consider a model of asymptotically flat space that is glued from the de Sitter space and flat space. We interpret the model as a gravitational well or barrier.