Maximal Frustration As An Immunological Principle

Main Category: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 21 Aug 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Our current view on cellular reactivity may have to change to correctly address how the immune system functions. Instead of the typical view of reactivity deriving from basic chemistry, cellular reactions could be better described as cellular decisions.

These decisions would require the integration of multiple signals for a certain amount of time. Indeed, it has already been observed that immune cells perform decisions.

This study shows that if all immune cells perform decisions, frustrated cell decisions can explain tolerance (i.e. the absence of reactivity against our own cells).

Furthermore, it was also suggested that perfect immunity against a pathogen could be achieved for maximally frustrated systems. Hence, maximal frustration could be an important immunological principle.

Journal of the Royal Society Interface

Journal of the Royal Society Interface is the Society's cross-disciplinary publication promoting research at the interface between the physical and life sciences. It offers rapidity, visibility and high-quality peer review and is ranked fifth in JCR's multidisciplinary category. The journal also incorporates Interface Focus, a peer-reviewed, themed supplement, each issue of which concentrates on a specific cross-disciplinary subject.

Journal of the Royal Society Interface