Abstract
We describe a method of implementing efficient computer simulations of immune systems that have a large number of unique B- and/or T-cell clones. The method uses an implementation technique called lazy evaluation to create the illusion that all clones are being simulated, while only actually simulating a much smaller number of clones that can respond to the antigens in the simulation. The method is effective because only 0.001-0.01% of clones can typically be stimulated by an antigen, and because many simulations involve only a small number of distinct antigens. A lazy simulation of a realistic number of clones and 10 distinct antigens is 1000 times faster and 10 000 times smaller than a conventional simulation - making simulations of immune systems with realistic-size repertoires computationally tractable.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 647-658 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Bulletin of mathematical biology |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- Immunology
- General Mathematics
- General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
- General Environmental Science
- Pharmacology
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
- Computational Theory and Mathematics