Randomly evolving idiotypic networks: Structural properties and architecture

Abstract

We consider a minimalistic dynamic model of the idiotypic network of B lymphocytes. A network node represents a population of B lymphocytes of the same specificity (idiotype), which is encoded by a bit string. The links of the network connect nodes with complementary and nearly complementary bit strings, allowing for a few mismatches. A node is occupied if a lymphocyte clone of the corresponding idiotype exists; otherwise it is empty. There is a continuous influx of new B lymphocytes of random idiotype from the bone marrow. B lymphocytes are stimulated by cross-linking their receptors with complementary structures. If there are too many complementary structures, steric hindrance prevents cross-linking. Stimulated cells proliferate and secrete antibodies of the same idiotype as their receptors; unstimulated lymphocytes die. Depending on few parameters, the autonomous system evolves randomly towards patterns of highly organized architecture, where the nodes can be classified into groups according to their statistical properties. We observe and describe analytically the building principles of these patterns, which make it possible to calculate number and size of the node groups and the number of links between them. The architecture of all patterns observed so far in simulations can be explained this way. A tool for real-time pattern identification is proposed.