Modelagem matemático-computacional da resposta imune à vacina de febre amarela

Abstract

An effective vaccine against yellow fever is available since 1937, but some issues regarding its use remain poorly understood, for example, the need for a booster dose every ten years. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that mathematical-computational tools can be used to simulate distinct scenarios related both to vaccination and individuals in order to assist the search for the answers to some of these open issues. In this context, this study presents a mathematical-computational model of the human immune response to vaccination against yellow fever. The model takes into account important cells of the innate and adaptive systems, such as antigen presenting cells, antibodies, B cells and T cells (CD4 + and CD8 +). Memory cell populations, important on the immunity induced by a vaccine, were also considered in the model. The model was able to generate antibodies curves which are in accordance with experimental data as well as to represent the behavior of several important populations of the immune system according to the results of the literature surveyed. This is the first step towards an ideal scenario where it will be possible to simulate distinct situations related to the use of yellow fever vaccine, as its application in immunodeficient individuals, different vaccination strategies, duration of immunity and the need for a booster dose.