Excitable dynamics of flares and relapses in autoimmune diseases.

ABSTRACT: Many autoimmune disorders exhibit flares in which symptoms erupt and then decline, as exemplified by multiple sclerosis (MS) in its relapsing-remitting form. Existing mathematical models of autoimmune flares often assume regular oscillations, failing to capture the stochastic and non-periodic nature of flare-ups. We suggest that autoimmune flares are driven by excitable dynamics triggered by stochastic events auch as stress, infection and other factors. Our minimal model, involving autoreactive and regulatory T-cells, demonstrates this concept. Autoimmune response initiates antigen-induced expansion through positive feedback, while regulatory cells counter the autoreactive cells through negative feedback. The model explains the decrease in MS relapses during pregnancy and the subsequent su

SUBMITTER: Lebel Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10616393 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature