

Pathogenic microorganisms entail enormous problems for humans, livestock, and crop plants. A better understanding of the different infection strategies of the pathogens enables us to derive optimal treatments to mitigate infectious diseases or develop vaccinations preventing the occurrence of infections altogether. In this review, we highlight the current trends in mathematical modeling approaches and related methods used for understanding host-pathogen interactions. Since these interactions can be described on vastly different temporal and spatial scales as well as abstraction levels, a variety of computational and mathematical approaches are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on dynamic optimization, game theory, and spatial modeling, as they are attracting more and more interest in systems biology. Furthermore, these approaches are often combined to illuminate the complexities of the interactions between pathogens and their host. We also discuss the phenomena of molecular mimicry and crypsis as well as the interplay between defense and counter defense. As a conclusion, we provide an overview of method characteristics to assist non-experts in their decision for modeling approaches and interdisciplinary understanding.
SEEK ID: https://funginet.hki-jena.de/publications/169
PubMed ID: 31776589
Projects: B1, FungiNet total
Journal: Cell Mol Life Sci
Citation: Cell Mol Life Sci. 2020 Feb;77(3):467-480. doi: 10.1007/s00018-019-03382-0. Epub 2019 Nov 27.
Date Published: 30th Nov 2019
Authors: Jan Ewald, Patricia Sieber, R. Garde, S. N. Lang, Stefan Schuster, B. Ibrahim

Views: 1034
Created: 17th Feb 2021 at 14:57

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