Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The affinity maturation process, through which antibodies acquire relatively high affinity for an invading pathogen, involves complex mechanisms whose relative importance is not yet fully understood. This study proposes an analytical model of this process, to investigate the main factors governing proliferation and mutation and assess their respective roles. The model suggests that the immune system should not be expected to follow a single, rigid evolutionary pattern, as a wide range of proliferation and mutation strategies can yield nearly optimal outcomes. Keywords: Antibody, antigen, affinity, B-cell, mutation, proliferation
Authors: Isaac Meilijson, Laura Lea Sacerdote
Institutions: Tel Aviv University, University of Turin
Language: English
Subfield: Artificial Intelligence
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225599861