On T-cell dynamics and the hyperactivation theory of AIDS pathogenesis

In an earlier article the author proposed a model of T cell dynamics in which rising activation rates produced falling T-cell counts. Here I show that, in a model of this type, apoptosis and proliferation must nearly balance. Hence, small perturbations of these processes could have large consequences, a fact that may be relevant to AIDS pathogenesis. In addition, I show the model can reproduce all decay rates found by McLean and Michie for cells with radiation-induced chromosome damage, provided that stable damage can proliferate. Memory-cell `amnesiaʹ is not required. T-cell lifetimes come out much shorter than previously estimated.