Table 1 Vector of features
From: Moving forward through the in silico modeling of tuberculosis: a further step with UISS-TB
# | Parameter name | Unit of measurement | Biological description | Values set in the simulations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MTB virulence | Real | The ability of a mycobacteria to cause tuberculosis, depending on its capability to reside within host cells and evade the microbicidal mechanisms of macrophages | 0.5 |
2 | Mtb sputum | CFU/mL | Mycobacterium bacilli present in sputum smear traditionally quantified by counting colony forming units | 80,000 |
3 | CD4+-Th1 | cells/µL | Lineage of CD4+ effector T cell required for host defense against pathogens promoting cell-mediated immune responses | 0 |
4 | CD4+-Th2 | cells/µL | Lineage of CD4+ effector T cell required for humoral immunity promoting the coordination of the immune response to extracellular pathogens | 0 |
5 | IgG | titer | The main type of antibody in blood and extracellular fluid, allowing control infection of body tissues and body protection from intracellular caused infections | 0 |
6 | TC (CD8+) | cells/µL | A type of lymphocyte that can kill foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus | 562 |
7 | IL-23 | pg/mL | A proinflammatory cytokine involved in the induction of IL-17-producing antigen-specific CD4 + T cells (Th17) and in the control of tuberculosis. It also outlines the expression of vaccine-induced protection against tuberculosis | 0 |
8 | IL-12 | pg/mL | A proinflammatory cytokine naturally produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils in response to antigenic stimulation | 0 |
9 | IL17-A | pg/mL | A proinflammatory cytokine produced by activated T helper cells in response to their stimulation with IL-23. In tuberculosis, it represents a protective cytokine against mycobacteria | 0 |
10 | IL-2 | pg/mL | A proinflammatory cytokine that stimulates the growth and replication of B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). It is significantly higher in active TB patients, suggesting that IL-2 represents a potential infection severity biomarker | 0 |
11 | IL-1 | pg/mL | An anti-inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages. It usually raises body temperature, spurs the production of interferon, and stimulates growth of disease-fighting cells. IL-1 receptor pathways are essential for the control of MTB infection | 0 |
12 | IL-10 | pg/mL | An anti-inflammatory cytokine with multiple, pleiotropic, effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It downregulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II antigens, and co-stimulatory molecules on macrophages. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and IgE antibody production. IL-10 has been identified as a correlate of susceptibility for tuberculosis and reactivation of TB disease | 0 |
13 | IFN1A | pg/mL | Human type I interferons (IFNs) are a large subgroup of interferon proteins that help regulate the activity of the immune system. The IFN-α proteins are produced mainly by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). They are mainly involved in innate immunity against viral infection | 0 |
14 | IFN1B | pg/mL | Human type I interferons (IFNs) are a large subgroup of interferon proteins that help regulate the activity of the immune system. The IFN-β proteins are produced in large quantities by fibroblasts. They have antiviral activity that is involved mainly in innate immune response | 0 |
15 | IFNG | pg/mL | A proinflammatory cytokine primarily secreted by activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells that promote macrophage activation, mediate antiviral and antibacterial immunity, enhance antigen presentation, orchestrate activation of the innate immune system, coordinate lymphocyte–endothelium interaction, regulate Th1/Th2 balance, and control cellular proliferation and apoptosis. It represents the clinical standard that establish the evidence of Mtb exposure and infection | 0 |
16 | TNF | pg/mL | N inflammatory cytokine produced chiefly by activated macrophages and many other cell types such as T helper cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, mast cells, eosinophils, and neurons. Itplays a major role in the initial and long-term control of tuberculosis | 0 |
17 | Treg | cells/µL | T cells which have a role in regulating or suppressing other cells in the immune system. Tregs control the immune response to self and antigens and help prevent autoimmune disease | 68 |
18 | LXA4 | ng/mL | A bioactive autacoid metabolite of arachidonic acid that displays both potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving actions. In tuberculosis disease, it owns a pro-necrotic activity against infected alveolar macrophages | 0 |
19 | PGE2 | ng/mL | A lipid compounds called eicosanoids having several hormone-like effects in animals. It derives enzymatically from the fatty acid arachidonic acid. In tuberculosis disease, it owns a pro-apoptotic activity against infected alveolar macrophages | 0 |
20 | VitaminD | ng/mL | It is considered an essential micronutrient involved in several biological processes such as endocrine metabolism and immune system activity, by modulating and inhibiting its activity in different ways. Its deficiency is associated with the risk of tuberculosis infection | 25.8 |
21 | AGE | years | A risk factor that should be considered for tuberculosis incidence and prognosis | 35 |
22 | BMI | kg/m2 | A key index for relating weight to height. BMI has been found correlated with both active and latent forms of tuberculosis | 21 |