Asthma PhysioLab: a dynamic, computer-based mathematical model of acute and chronic asthma

Asthma is a complex disease involving the dynamic interactions of the many tissues, cells, and chemical mediators that comprise airway physiology, inflammation and immunological function. To understand the roles of these interacting systems in asthma, the authors have used Entelos' proprietary computer modeling platform to build a large-scale mathematical model that encompasses these biological components. This model, the Entelos(R) Asthma PhysioLab/sup TM/, can be used to explore the evolution and potential therapeutic resolution of asthma. The Asthma PhysioLab reproduces many characteristics of the acute asthmatic episode in response to antigen challenge, including early- and late-phase airway obstruction and late-phase eosinophilic and basophilic inflammation. In addition, the model can reproduce the fast, brief airway obstruction that occurs in response to exercise, cold air, or adenosine inhalation, and the effects of a number of therapeutic drugs currently marketed for asthma therapy. The Asthma PhysioLab is presently being used to explore the interactions of the immune system and the airway tissues in chronic asthma. This systems analysis approach can help us understand the complex cellular and chemical interactions underlying the pathogenesis of asthma and provides a new tool for identifying and designing therapeutic strategies for ameliorating this disease.