In this project, the growth of fungal hyphae is modeled. As a parameterized approach, different hyphal structures can be learned, simulated and reproduced for further analysis or applications. The algorithm is implemented as a recursive approach, which allows to potentially grow a new hyphal branch at each depth level. The angle of curvature, frequency of new branching, and piercing (in the alveolus) is also parameterized, making it highly adaptable for different scenarios. Interactions with immune cells (alveolar macrophages) is realized according to the set of rules within the agent-based modeling.
Hyphal growth simulation
Publications
Surrogate infection model predicts optimal alveolar macrophage number for clearance of Aspergillus fumigatus infections.
Saffer C, Timme S, Rudolph P, Figge MT# (2023) NPJ Syst Biol Appl 9, 12.
The immune system has to fight off hundreds of microbial invaders every day, such as the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The fungal conidia can reach the lower respiratory tract, swell and form hyphae within six hours causing life-threatening invasive aspergillosis. Invading pathogens are continuously recognized and eliminated by alveolar macrophages (AM). Their number plays an […]
Polymer-based particles against pathogenic fungi: A non-uptake delivery of compounds.
Orasch T*, Gangapurwala G*, Vollrath A, González K, Alex J, De San Luis A, Weber C, Hoeppener S, Cseresnyés Z, Figge MT, Guerrero-Sanchez C, Schubert US#, Brakhage AA#
The therapy of life-threatening fungal infections is limited and needs urgent improvement. This is in part due to toxic side effects of clinically used antifungal compounds or their limited delivery to fungal structures. Until today, it is a matter of debate how drugs or drug-delivery systems can efficiently reach the intracellular lumen of fungal cells […]