A mathematical model for the germinal center morphology and affinity maturation

J Theor Biol. 2002 Jun 7;216(3):273-300. doi: 10.1006/jtbi.2002.2550.

Abstract

During germinal center reactions, the appearance of two specific zones are observed: the dark and the light zone. Up to now, the origin and function of these zones are poorly understood. In the framework of a stochastic and discrete model, several possible pathways of zone development during germinal center reactions are investigated. The importance of the zones in the germinal center for affinity maturation, i.e. the process of antibody optimization is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Affinity / physiology*
  • Antibody Formation
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Germinal Center / physiology
  • Germinal Center / ultrastructure*
  • Models, Immunological*