A mathematical model Prod. Type: FTPof the initial interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and macrophages

Authored by Elsje Pienaar, Maria Lerm

Date Published: 2014

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2013.09.029

Sponsors: Swedish Research Council

Platforms: MATLAB

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: https://ars-els-cdn-com.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/content/image/1-s2.0-S0022519313004657-mmc2.zip

Abstract

There is a large body of literature describing molecular level interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and macrophages. Macrophages initiate a range of anti-bacterial mechanisms in response to infection, and Mtb is capable of surviving and circumventing many of these responses. We apply a computational approach to ask: what are the effects on the cellular level of these opposing interactions? The model considers the interplay between bacterial killing and the pathogen's interference with macrophage function. The results reveal an oscillating balance between host and pathogen, but the balance is transient and varies in length, indicating that stochasticity in the bacterial population or host response could contribute to the diverse incubation periods observed in exposed individuals. The model captures host and strain variation and gives new insight into host-pathogen compatibility and co-evolution. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tags

Infection activation growth Mechanisms In-vitro Resuscitation-promoting factors Ifn-gamma Contact investigations Latent tuberculosis Host response