A Dynamical Model of Signaling for Inflammation

Ian Price, University of Pittsburgh

The acute inflammatory response, arising from intracellular and intercellular signalling among various genera of cells, serves as an initial and immediate agent of healing and immunity in tissue; however, collateral effects may impede healing or induce tissue damage. We develop a signalling based model from macrophage and cytokine interaction and activity and extend it into a model for tissue inflammation, so as to simulate tissue response to both exogenous and endogenous signalling. We analyze potential disorders of the system and suggest underlying biological mechanisms for them. Moreover, we use the model to explore exogenous anti-inflammatory cytokines as a means to mitigate tissue damage.