We begin by describing a mathematical formalism used to analyse the formation and scaling of morphogen gradients. Then we address a problem of interplay between the dynamics of morphogen gradients and movement of cells, referring to mathematical models of gastrulation in the chick embryo.

In the last section, we give an overview of various mathematical models used in the study of the developmental cycle of Dictyostelium discoideum, which is probably the best example of successful mathematical modelling in developmental biology.”
“Several studies have established the potential efficacy of humoral immunity, primarily mannan-specific antibodies, in host protection against major fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In this study, we analysed humoral immune response induced by immunization with BSA-based conjugates bearing synthetic -1,6-branched oligomannosides (pentamannosides S63845 purchase AMN-107 (M5) or hexamannosides (M6)) mimicking antigenic sequences of Candida cell wall mannan. We analysed the ability of antibodies prepared by immunization to recognize relevant antigenic determinants in mannan polysaccharide structure and in C.albicans yeast and hyphal morphoforms. M6-BSA conjugate induced markedly higher levels of mannan-specific IgG compared with M5-BSA conjugate. In contrast

to M5-BSA conjugate, M6-BSA conjugate induced immunoglobulin isotype class switch also from IgM to IgG, as revealed also from ELISPOT analysis. Immunization-induced antibodies showed higher reactivity with hyphal form of C.albicans cells. The reduced immunogenicity of M5-BSA conjugate seems to be related to branching point location at terminal non-reducing end in comparison with M6-BSA oligomannoside with branching point at non-terminal location. Candidacidal activity assay revealed different capacity of sera prepared

by immunization with M5-BSA and M6-BSA conjugates to improve candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Limited capacity of -1,6-branched oligomannoside BSA conjugates to induce antibodies significantly enhancing candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes was presumably related to absence of antibodies with strong reactivity to corresponding antigenic determinants in natural cell wall mannan and with reduced ability to activate complement. The study documented markedly structure-dependent immunogenicity and limited capacity of branched -mannooligosides conjugates to induce production of potentially protective antibodies.”
“C-reactive protein (CRP) binds to Fc-receptors, FcRIIa (CD32) with high affinity and to FcRIa (CD64) with low affinity. The binding to CD32 has been shown to be allele specific, that is, it binds to R/R131 but not to H/H131. Little is known about the cooperation of CRP and neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) in inflammatory reactions.