Germinal centres seen through the mathematical eye: B-cell models on the catwalk.
Germinal centres are receiving renewed attention following recent intravital multi-photon imaging studies. These data have shed new light on longstanding questions about the spatial organisation of germinal centres, B-cell migration, selection and differentiation. Mathematical models have proven invaluable in the analysis of intravital motility data, and have predicted novel B-cell selection mechanisms that are now supported by experimental findings. We argue that mathematical modelling adds a different vantage point to experimental data and provides a quantitative and systematic analysis of hypotheses and theories in immunology. Furthermore, the well-characterised nature of the germinal centre provides an excellent proving ground for mathematical modelling.
Meyer-Hermann
Michael
M
Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany. m.meyer-hermann@fias.uni-frankfurt.de
Figge
Marc Thilo
MT
Toellner
Kai-Michael
KM
D000818:Animals; D000915:Antibody Affinity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002470:Cell Survival; D000939:Epitopes; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007107:Immune System / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000939:Epitopes; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell