Human systems immunology: hypothesis-based modeling and unbiased data-driven approaches

Semin Immunol. 2013 Oct 31;25(3):193-200. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2012.11.003. Epub 2013 Jan 29.

Abstract

Systems immunology is an emerging paradigm that aims at a more systematic and quantitative understanding of the immune system. Two major approaches have been utilized to date in this field: unbiased data-driven modeling to comprehensively identify molecular and cellular components of a system and their interactions; and hypothesis-based quantitative modeling to understand the operating principles of a system by extracting a minimal set of variables and rules underlying them. In this review, we describe applications of the two approaches to the study of viral infections and autoimmune diseases in humans, and discuss possible ways by which these two approaches can synergize when applied to human immunology.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Dynamical modeling; Hypothesis-based modeling; Systems immunology; Unbiased data-driven approaches; Viral infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergy and Immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Immune System*
  • Models, Biological
  • Systems Biology*
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*