Mathematical modelling of inflammation and inflammatory diseases

Inflammation is a fundamental biological response to injury or infection, but its dysregulation underlies numerous chronic diseases. This lecture explores the mathematical modelling of inflammation and inflammatory diseases, integrating biological mechanisms at local and systemic levels. We begin with a biological background, highlighting key cellular and molecular players and their roles in initiating, amplifying, and resolving inflammation. We examine the amplification and resolution phases of inflammation, emphasizing feedback loops, thresholds, and bifurcations that govern transitions between acute and chronic states. Applications to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other inflammatory disorders are discussed illustrating how models predict disease progression and treatment.