Publication Date:
2007
abstract:
Motivation: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects greater than 90% of
humans benignly for life but can be associated with tumors. It is a
uniquely human pathogen that is amenable to quantitative analysis;
however, there is no applicable animal model. Computer models
may provide a virtual environment to perform experiments not
possible in human volunteers.
Results: We report the application of a relatively simple stochastic
cellular automaton (C-ImmSim) to the modeling of EBV infection.
Infected B-cell dynamics in the acute and chronic phases of infection
correspond well to clinical data including the establishment of
a long term persistent infection (up to 10 years) that is absolutely
dependent on access of latently infected B cells to the peripheral
pool where they are not subject to immunosurveillance. In the
absence of this compartment the infection is cleared.
Availability: The latest version 6 of C-ImmSim is available under the
GNU General Public License and is downloadable from www.iac.
cnr.it/filippo/cimmsim.html
Contact: david.thorley-lawson@tufts.edu
Iris type:
01.01 Articolo in rivista
List of contributors:
Castiglione, Filippo
Published in: