Santa Fe Institute

Seminar

July 23, 2012
12:15 PM
Collins Conference Room

Rob J. De Boer (Theoretical Biology & Bioinformatics, Utrecht University; SFI External Professor)

Abstract.  The immune system is a distributed system where billions of individual cells, each carrying a unique receptor (detector), scavenge the body to detect the presence of pathogens (intruders) in any of its tissues. The very few cells detecting a pathogen will expand, generating a large clone of effector cells that together become capable of clearing the infection.
 
Novel techniques in microscopy allow us to visualize the migration of these cells in living tissues, and to actually see how they clear infected cells These techniques deliver complex data sets that are difficult to analyze. We therefore approach the data by mathematical and computer modeling. A Cellular Potts Model of T cells migrating through tissues is used as an artificial environment to study the behavior of the cells and to test the models for data analysis. We will show that the migration of T cells is mostly random and nevertheless efficient at detecting pathogens.

Purpose: Research Collaboration

SFI Host: Doug Erwin

More Info

• * SFI community lectures are free, open, & accessible to the public.
• * Seminars & colloquia are geared for scientists but free & open to the interested public.
• * All other SFI events are by invitation only.
• * Note: We are unable to accommodate members of the public for SFI's limited lunch service; you're welcome to bring your own.