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Fig. 4.
A schematic representation of bistability. Inputs below
i
1
result in only a small increase
in transcription (y axis). Above
i
1
the system exhibits two stable states (solid line), the higher
state being a result of positive feedback driving high-level transcription. Above i
2
the system
is insensitive to higher input signal and between
i
1
and
i
2
the system is insensitive to small
reductions in input signal once the higher state is achieved.
7.5 Conclusions
Here we have shown some of the complexity and progress in determining genome-
scale views of DC function. Modeling of immune system components, especially
models that define input and output parameters, may allow the chaining of model
components with one providing outputs that serve as inputs for the next. Modeling
DC gene expression programs corresponding to cytokine and cell-surface molecule
expression may well provide a range of inputs into the models of T-cell polarization
described (Yates et al. 2004). Understanding such integrated processes within the
immune system should help improve therapies against infections, produce better
vaccines against infectious agents and tumors, and provide means of intervening in
autoimmune disease.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge Wendy Barclay, Dave Rowlands, and Toby Tuthill for
providing us with purified viral preparations for our studies. We would also like to
acknowledge our colleagues, Benny Chain, David Katz, and Jane Rasaiyaah, for their
