Hybrid models in biomedical applications

The paper presents a review of recent developments of hybrid discrete-continuous models in cell population dynamics. Such models are widely used in the biological modelling. Cells are considered as individual objectswhich can divide, die by apoptosis, differentiate and move under external forces. In the simplest representationcells are considered as soft spheres, and their motion is described by Newton’s second law for their centers.In a more complete representation, cell geometry and structure can be taken into account. Cell fate is determined by concentrations of intracellular substances and by various substances in the extracellular matrix, such as nutrients, hormones, growth factors. Intracellular regulatory networks are described by ordinary differential equations while extracellular species by partial differential equations. We illustrate the application of thisapproach with some examples including bacteria filament and tumor growth. These examples are followed by more detailed studies of erythropoiesis and immune response. Erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow in small cellular units called erythroblastic islands. Each island is formed by a central macrophage surrounded by erythroid progenitors in different stages of maturity. Their choice between self-renewal, differentiation and apoptosis is determined by the ERK/Fas regulation and by a growth factor produced by the macrophage. Normal functioning of erythropoiesis can be compromised by the development of multiple myeloma, a malignant blood disorder which leads to a destruction of erythroblastic islands and to sever anemia. The last part of the work is devoted to the applications of hybrid models to study immune response and the development of viral infection. A two-scale model describing processes in a lymph node and other organs including the blood compartment is presented.