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Conceptual Spaces of the Immune System
1Labormedizinisches Zentrum Dr Risch , Schaan , Liechtenstein.
Frontiers in Immunology
|December 27, 2016
Summary
The immune system exhibits cognitive functions, analogous to the brain. Applying conceptual spaces theory to immune cognition offers new insights for vaccine and immunotherapy design.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cognitive Science
- Theoretical Biology
Background:
- The immune system is increasingly viewed as a cognitive system, drawing parallels with neuro-psychological systems.
- Existing cognitive theories may not fully capture the complexities of immune system functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe immune system cognitive functions using a novel cognitive science theory.
- To apply Gärdenfors' geometrical framework of conceptual spaces to the field of immune cognition.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Gärdenfors' conceptual spaces framework to model immune cognition.
- Relating core concepts such as quality dimensions, natural properties, concepts, similarities, prototypes, and saliences to immune system phenomena.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that cognitive functions of the immune system can be systematically described within the conceptual spaces framework.
- Identified key cognitive elements within the immune system, such as concepts, similarities, and prototypes.
Conclusions:
- The application of cognitive theory, specifically conceptual spaces, provides a robust framework for understanding immune cognition.
- This theoretical approach may significantly aid in the development of novel vaccines, immunological diagnostic tests, and immunotherapies.
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