Information processing in immune systems : clonal selection versus idiotypic network models

Abstract

Experimental immunology is a rapidly developing field in which an everincreasing number of cell types, molecules and interactions between them are being described. Despite the availability of detailed experimental data, our understanding of the 'functioning' of the immune system remains very primitive. Simple issues, such as the immunity/memory phenomenon, and essential issues, such as self—non-self discrimination, are largely unresolved. Our approach to this problem is to view the immune system as a highly complex information-processing system. Information is provided in the form of (1) the (huge) repertoire of B and T cell receptors. (2) the repertoire of selfantigens, (3) MRC molecules, and (4) various foreign antigens that attempt to invade the system. This information is processed by interactions among the various cell types and molecules that constitute the immune system. As a result of the information-processing immune systems respond in a coordinated way both to pathogens and to self-antigens. In our 'bioinformatic' approach we attempt to pinpoint the interactions (i.e. the informatic processes) that account for tbe phenomena we are interested in.