Enhanced modeling of the immune system to incorporate natural killer cells and memory

Describes modifications to a 13/sup th/ order nonlinear differential-delay model (developed by Marchuk, Petrov, Bocharov and Romanyukha) of the immune response to a viral influenza infection. These modifications include: 1) reflect recent physiological understanding of immunologic processes, 2) clarify variable definitions, 3) incorporate B and T memory cell development, and 4) add the effect of natural killer cells. The model is simulated to show consistency with current theories and understandings in the literature.