Immune system control

A brief functional description of the manner in which the immune system seems to control disease and infection is presented. Recent hypotheses in immunology and the role of a model to support this work are discussed. This leads to the derivation of a simple model for the generation of antibodies from clonal selection theory. A survey of related research is provided along with model assumptions and shortcomings. Model innovations are suggested to explain the more intense secondary response to a repeated invasion by a particular alien as well as the immunoglobulin switch-over phenomenon. A case is established for more complex models which include two major classes of lymphocytes (white blood cells) termed T cells and B cells, their functional subclasses, their interaction, immune tolerance and cell mediated immunity. While plausible arguments are presented for further model development, it is noted that immunology, as supported by on-going experimental research, is such a rapidly changing science that a final model is hardly imminent. Plans are outlined for continued model development in sequence with new experimental evidence. It is seen that stochastic control and adaptive structures play a significant role in the immune processes.