Spatial topology and competitive access differentially shape early T cell priming in the lymph node: an agent-based modeling approach

To investigate how spatial structure and competitive interactions affect T cell priming in lymph nodes using an agent-based model.

Stromal architecture and trafficking biases significantly influence T cell encounters with antigen.
Competition for limited dendritic cell access can prevent many T cells from forming productive contacts.
Reduced activation may result from failed clonal recruitment rather than diminished signaling after contact.

Early T cell priming is an access-limited process, suggesting that improving access to antigen may enhance adaptive immune responses.

The model may not fully capture all biological complexities of lymph node architecture.
Findings are based on computational modeling and may require experimental validation.

Enhancing early antigen access could be a viable strategy to improve adaptive immune responses.