Abstract
We describe a method of implementing efficient computer simulations of immune systems that have a large number of unique B-and/or T-cell clones. The method uses an implementation technique called lazy evaluation to create the illusion that all clones are being simulated, while only actually simulating a much smaller number of clones that can respond to the antigens in the simulation. The method is effective because only 0.001–0.01% of clones can typically be stimulated by an antigen, and because many simulations involve only a small number of distinct antigens. A lazy simulation of a realistic number of clones and 10 distinct antigens is 1000 times faster and 10 000 times smaller than a conventional simulation—making simulations of immune systems with realistic-size repertoires computationally tractable.
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Smith, D.J., Forrest, S., Ackley, D.H. et al. Using lazy evaluation to simulate realistic-size repertoires in models of the immune system. Bull. Math. Biol. 60, 647–658 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1006/bulm.1997.0035
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1006/bulm.1997.0035