Qualitative process modeling of cell-cell-pathogen interactions in the immune system.

We present a general cell behavior modelling system for immune functions, based on qualitative process theory. Model system heuristics integrate known characteristics and processes of cells, pathogens, antibodies, antigens, and cytokines. The system generates qualitative simulations of primary immune responses to bacterial and viral infections. Model heuristics can be mapped to a free-running cellular automata-like simulation that demonstrates quantitative behaviors of actor populations. This system serves as a tool for testing assumptions about cellular functions in immunity, as well the basis for a qualitative discovery system that may infer new process heuristics based on evaluation of experimental data.