Immunoinformatics: an overview of computational tools and techniques for understanding immune function

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in the application of information technology to biological data. Although the use of information science techniques is less common for the discipline of immunology, this field has seen great strides in recent years. This review addresses why in silico modeling is needed in immunology research, highlights some of the major areas of research and suggests what may be important for the future of immunoinformatics.

Keywords::

• cellular automata
• cellular networks
• equations
• immune responses
• mathematical modeling
• prediction
• vaccines

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript. The source of funding was LIAI Institutional Funds, no grant source used.