Abstract
We present a minimal regulatory model for the dynamics of the humoral immune response of two lymphocytes populations (B and T helper) interacting with a specific antigen pool (bacterium). Stability analysis reveals that the system accounts for the occurrence of multiple steady states in the absence as well as in the presence of the antigen population. The model exhibits (i) a state of immune memory, (ii) one state with high antigen and low helper concentration (disease), and (iii) one state with low antigen and high helper concentration (tolerance). The latter state allows oscillatory behavior. Injection of high antigen doses as well as minimal changes of structural parameters provoke the system to jump from the state of disease to the state of tolerance. This is reminiscent of therapies where the patient is treated with allergen, immuno-suppressants or drugs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
