Immunity through swarms: Agent-based simulations of the human immune system

Abstract

We present a swarm-based, 3-dimensional model of the human immune system and its response to first and second viral antigen exposure. Our model utilizes a decentralized swarm approach with multiple agents acting independently- following local interaction rules-to exhibit complex emergent behaviours, which constitute externally observable and measurable immune reactions. The two main functional branches of the human immune system, humoral and cell-mediated immunity, are simulated. We model the production of antibodies in response to a viral population; antibody-antigen complexes are formed, which are removed by macrophages; virally infected cells are lysed by cytotoxic T cells. Our system also demonstrates reinforced reaction to a previously encountered pathogen, thus exhibiting realistic memory response. © Springer-Verlag 2004.