Mathematical Models for Immunology: Current State of the Art and Future Research Directions

Bull Math Biol. 2016 Oct;78(10):2091-2134. doi: 10.1007/s11538-016-0214-9. Epub 2016 Oct 6.

Abstract

The advances in genetics and biochemistry that have taken place over the last 10 years led to significant advances in experimental and clinical immunology. In turn, this has led to the development of new mathematical models to investigate qualitatively and quantitatively various open questions in immunology. In this study we present a review of some research areas in mathematical immunology that evolved over the last 10 years. To this end, we take a step-by-step approach in discussing a range of models derived to study the dynamics of both the innate and immune responses at the molecular, cellular and tissue scales. To emphasise the use of mathematics in modelling in this area, we also review some of the mathematical tools used to investigate these models. Finally, we discuss some future trends in both experimental immunology and mathematical immunology for the upcoming years.

Keywords: Advances since 2006 and future trends; Innate and adaptive immunity; Mathematical immunology; Multiscale interactions.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Allergy and Immunology / trends*
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Mathematical Concepts
  • Models, Immunological*
  • Research / trends
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology