Optimal evolutionary decision-making to store immune memory.

ABSTRACT: The adaptive immune system provides a diverse set of molecules that can mount specific responses against a multitude of pathogens. Memory is a key feature of adaptive immunity, which allows organisms to respond more readily upon re-infections. However, differentiation of memory cells is still one of the least understood cell fate decisions. Here, we introduce a mathematical framework to characterize optimal strategies to store memory to maximize the utility of immune response over an organism's lifetime. We show that memory production should be actively regulated to balance between affinity and cross-reactivity of immune receptors for an effective protection against evolving pathogens. Moreover, we predict that specificity of memory should depend on the organism's lifespan, and shorter liv

SUBMITTER: Schnaack OH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8116052 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature