[Colloquium] Michael W. Deem, Rice University talk Friday, February 11, 2005 - Correct Room

[Nita Yack]

COMPUTER SCIENCE
The University of Chicago-TALK

Date:	Friday, February 11, 2005
Time:	2:30 p.m.
Place:	Ryerson 251
___________________________________

Speaker:	Michael W. Deem

From:		Rice University

URL:		http://www.mwdeem.rice.edu/mwdeem/


Title:  Negative Correlations, Immunodominance, and Original Antigenic 
sin in the Immune System

Abstract:  The adaptive vertebrate immune system is a wonder of modern 
evolution.
Under most circumstances, the dynamics of the immune system is
well-matched to the dynamics of pathogen growth during a typical
infection.  Some pathogens, however, have evolved escape mechanisms that
interact in subtle ways with the immune system dynamics.  In addition,
negative interactions the immune system, which has evolved over 400 000
000 years, and vaccination, which has been practiced extensively for 
only
200 years, are possible.  For example, vaccination against the flu can
actually increase susceptibility to the flu in the next year.  As 
another
example, vaccination against one of the four strains of dengue fever
typically increases susceptibility against the other three strains.
Immunodominance also arises in the immune system control of nascent
tumors--the immune system recognizes only a small subset of the tumor
specific antigens, and the rest are free to grow and cause tumor growth.

In this talk, I present a physical theory of original antigenic sin and
immunodominance.  How localization in the immune system leads to the
observed phenomena is discussed.



Host:  Ridgway Scott
*The talk will be followed by refreshments in Ryerson 255*
Persons who need assistance should call 773-702-6614


Nita Yack
Departmental Administrator
Computer Science Department
1100 E. 58th Street - Room 151
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-6019
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