A model for the integration of conflicting exogenous and endogenous signals by dendritic cells

nal decision. We combine experimental measurements with theoretical modeling to quantitatively describe the integration mode of these opposing signals. We propose a two step integration model that modulates the eect of the two types of signals: an initial bottleneck integrates both signals (IL-10 and TNF), the output of which is later modulated by the anti-inammatory signal. We show that the anti-inammatory IL-10 signaling is long ranged, as opposed to the short-ranged pro-inammatory TNF signaling. The model suggests that the population averaging and modulation of the proinammatory response by the anti-inammatory signal is a safety guard against excessive immune responses.