Abstract. We propose a network model in which the communication between its elements (cells, neur... more Abstract. We propose a network model in which the communication between its elements (cells, neurons and lymphocytes) can be established in various ways. The system evolution is driven by a set of equations that encodes various degrees of competition between elements. Each element has an “internal plasticity threshold” that, by setting the number of inputs and outputs, determines different network global topologies.
Abstract The search for longevity genes has greatly developed in recent years basing on the idea ... more Abstract The search for longevity genes has greatly developed in recent years basing on the idea that a consistent part of longevity is determined by genetics. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify possible genetic determinants of human aging and longevity, but studies on humans are limited by a series of critical restrictions.
For host survival, the immune system (IS) is required to deliver high-level, specific and continu... more For host survival, the immune system (IS) is required to deliver high-level, specific and continuous performance, dealing with a very complex universe of stimuli and functions, as well as physical and resource constraints. From this perspective, the immune system needs an effective strategy to assure the requested operational functions, to survive and to evolve. The concept of degeneracy discussed in this chapter, is the ability of some immune receptors to bind many types of ligands and it would appear to be a fundamental characteristic for immune system functioning as well as a formidable weapon in the architecture of complex biological structures and systems. In this chapter, we will discuss how degeneracy acts as a strategy to optimize the necessary trade-off between the inescapable promiscuity of receptors and ligands, with the necessity to produce a specific response, and how the degeneracy principle acts to set up a memory of each immunological event, thus contributing to the fitness of the organism, and how degeneracy can be considered among the underlying causes for the evolution and robustness of the IS.
Abstract. We propose a network model in which the communication between its elements (cells, neur... more Abstract. We propose a network model in which the communication between its elements (cells, neurons and lymphocytes) can be established in various ways. The system evolution is driven by a set of equations that encodes various degrees of competition between elements. Each element has an “internal plasticity threshold” that, by setting the number of inputs and outputs, determines different network global topologies.
Abstract The search for longevity genes has greatly developed in recent years basing on the idea ... more Abstract The search for longevity genes has greatly developed in recent years basing on the idea that a consistent part of longevity is determined by genetics. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify possible genetic determinants of human aging and longevity, but studies on humans are limited by a series of critical restrictions.
For host survival, the immune system (IS) is required to deliver high-level, specific and continu... more For host survival, the immune system (IS) is required to deliver high-level, specific and continuous performance, dealing with a very complex universe of stimuli and functions, as well as physical and resource constraints. From this perspective, the immune system needs an effective strategy to assure the requested operational functions, to survive and to evolve. The concept of degeneracy discussed in this chapter, is the ability of some immune receptors to bind many types of ligands and it would appear to be a fundamental characteristic for immune system functioning as well as a formidable weapon in the architecture of complex biological structures and systems. In this chapter, we will discuss how degeneracy acts as a strategy to optimize the necessary trade-off between the inescapable promiscuity of receptors and ligands, with the necessity to produce a specific response, and how the degeneracy principle acts to set up a memory of each immunological event, thus contributing to the fitness of the organism, and how degeneracy can be considered among the underlying causes for the evolution and robustness of the IS.
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Papers by Paolo Tieri