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Mathematical modelling the age dependence of Epstein-Barr virus associated infectious mononucleosis

Giao T Huynh1, Frederick R Adler

  • 1Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Oakland University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, MI 48309-4401, USA. huynh@oakland.edu

Mathematical Medicine and Biology : a Journal of the IMA
|June 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection typically causes no symptoms in children but can lead to infectious mononucleosis (IM) in adolescents. Mathematical modeling suggests age-dependent antibody responses and T-cell cross-reactivity contribute to IM incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Mathematical Biology

Background:

  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus.
  • Primary EBV infection in adolescents and young adults often results in infectious mononucleosis (IM), characterized by prolonged fever, fatigue, and sore throat.
  • The severity of IM is linked to an expansion of CD8(+) T cells, particularly those targeting EBV lytic proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a mathematical model to understand the age-dependent regulation of EBV infection.
  • To investigate hypotheses explaining the higher incidence of IM in adolescents and young adults compared to younger children.

Main Methods:

  • A mathematical model was formulated to track EBV, infected B cells, infected epithelial cells, and CD8(+) T-cell responses.
  • The model was used to evaluate the impact of age-related factors, including saliva and antibody effects, T-cell cross-reactivity, and initial viral load.

Main Results:

  • The mathematical model supports the hypotheses that age-dependent saliva/antibody effects and high cross-reactive T-cell responses contribute to IM.
  • The model indicates that a high initial viral load is less likely to be the primary driver of IM incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Age-related variations in host antibody responses and the complexity of the pre-existing T-cell repertoire are significant factors in the etiology of infectious mononucleosis.
  • Mathematical modeling provides insights into the immunological mechanisms underlying EBV infection and IM development.

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