The SATvac model of CD8+ T cell expansion and contraction phases considering memory and effector cell differentiation.

Abstract

Primary immune responses induce CD8+ T cell responses characterized by activation via antigen presenting cells, expansion, differentiation into effector and memory phenotypes, and contraction resulting in long-term memory populations. In this study a mathematical stochastic agent-based model is developed to simulate all phases of the CD8+ T cell response following vaccination. Importantly, the model successfully captures the stochastic nature of T cell dynamics throughout the response. It predicts T cell population with high accuracy while addressing mouse-to-mouse variability, highlighting its robust predictive power. This predictive model aims to improve T cell vaccination strategies by both informing the biology of the T cell response and streamlining vaccine development.