Clonal Selection Versus Idiotypic Network Models of the Immune System : A Bioinformatic Approach

Abstract

Immune systems function by means of complex "networks" of interactions between various cell types and/or molecules. These interactions vary from specific to non-specific, from local to systemic, are positive or negative (or bimodal), and are generally non-linear (involving positive or negative feedback loops), These networks of cellular and molecular interactions account for the various complex bioinformatic phenomena that are known to be characteristic for immune systems (e.g. responsiveness to many antigens, specificity, immunity, MHC restriction, and self non-self discrimination). From a general point of view, immune systems thus are a very interesting example of a complex information processing system.