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 % to 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 1,000 times faster and 10,000 times smaller than a conventional simulation—making simulations of immune systems with realistic-size repertoires computationally tractable.

Citations