Sanne Hoeks

Chapter 7 110 Immune computation It is proposed that each immune cell receives random signals. Dependent on its array of receptors; each cell then responds to transform (compute) its input information into an output of signal molecules, receptors, metabolic reactants, antibodies, or other products that comprise an inflammatory output. The response of the cell and its outputs are determined by the state of the individual computing cell; this state reflects the cell’s differentiation and its history, along with the input to the cell from other cells and molecules. 47 An ordered immune response emerges from the way a collective of cells integrate their behaviors, this is called crowd wisdom 48 comparable to the functioning of a school of fish. Co-respondence is an integral part of immune computation of the body state: the informed few who see the antigens arouse a cohort of “bystander” cells to help mediate the immune response. 47 Altogether, the complexity of the immune system must be respected to find novel strategies to influence immune maturation to the good and to improve patients health outcomes. Two existing hypothetical theories will be further explored in the future. In this thesis ( chapter 6 ), an important role for systems immunology analyses is suggested in humans, especially in early life, to support further research on proper immune maturation: the way to adult immunological wellness.