Simulating Epstein-Barr virus infection with C-ImmSim.
BACKGROUND
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.


BACKGROUND
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
Castiglione
Filippo
F
Istituto Applicazioni del Calcolo M. Picone-CNR, Rome, Italy.
Duca
Karen
K
Jarrah
Abdul
A
Laubenbacher
Reinhard
R
Hochberg
Donna
D
Thorley-Lawson
David
D
D003198:Computer Simulation; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012984:Software; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000276:immunology; D017735:Virus Latency / Q000276:immunology