Role of body temperature variations in bat immune response to viral infections |
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| Authors: | Maria Rita Fumagalli Stefano Zapperi Caterina A. M. La Porta |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy;2.CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Biophysics Institute, Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy;3.Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Physics, University of Milan, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy;4.CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, ICMATE, Via R. Cozzi 53, 20125 Milano, Italy |
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| Abstract: | The ability of bats to coexist with viruses without being harmed is an interesting issue that is still under investigation. Here we use a mathematical model to show that the pattern of body temperature variations observed in bats between day and night is responsible for their ability to keep viruses in check. From the dynamical systems point of view, our model displays an intriguing quasi-periodic behaviour that might be relevant in making the system robust by avoiding viral escape due to perturbations in the body temperature cycle. |
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| Keywords: | bats, interferon-α , immunity, virus |
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