Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Systemic Bacterial Infection and Immune Defense Phenotypes in Drosophila Melanogaster
Published on: May 13, 2015
[Model of dynamics of the insect cellular immune system]
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, ul. Akademika Timakova 2, Novosibirsk, 630117 Russia.
Abstract:
A mathematical model for the dynamics of functioning of an insect immune subsystem is considered. It is assumed that the interaction between hemocytes and bacteria corresponds to the Volterra principle of "pair interactions": the rate at which bacteria enter the system decreases in proportion to the rate of interaction of hemocytes with bacteria. In the absence of interaction, the intrinsic dynamics of bacteria is described by the Malthus law. Dynamic regimes of the model for different values of the parameters were analyzed. In particular, it was shown that, depending on the initial values of variables and the values of the parameters, there exist two regimes, the regime of death of the organism and the regime of elimination of bacteria.
Related Concept Videos
What is the Immune System?
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...

