Feed-forward and feedback mechanisms in a dynamic model of human T cell development and regulation

In Vivo. 2004 Jul-Aug;18(4):465-70.

Abstract

We describe a computational model of human T cell regulatory dynamics. We used this model to simulate changes in T cell pool numbers and for studying feedback and feed-forward responses in and among these pools. The pools identified were the bone marrow stem cell compartment, early and late thymocyte compartments and the peripheral compartment of mature T lymphocytes. Simulated data showed variable intercompartmental strengths indicative of a range of sensitivities to feedback regulation and respective variable feed-forward responses. The results compare well to known clinical and experimental data, rendering the computational model a good basis for further research in T cell development and regulation.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Division
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Feedback, Physiological / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mathematics
  • Models, Immunological*
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*