Extensive percolation in reasonable idiotypic networks

Abstract

We analyse a mathematical model specifying profound networks of idyotypic interactions amongst B cell clones. In the model we incorporate only fundamental assumptions about idiotypic interactions. Nevertheless, this "reasonable" idiotypic network model displays very "unreasonable" behaviour. As soon as the network is formulated as a profound network structure it displays "extensive percolation" of idiotypic signals. Thus the first antigenic perturbation of the network is expected to affect most of the clones. We have attempted to solve these problems by extending the model with seemingly important theoretical and/or immunological insights, but as yet we have failed. Therefore, our present interpretation of these "unrealistic" results is that immune systems do not function by means of profound network structures.