York University

Purpose

This Project proposes a modeling platform to quickly explore vaccine designs using simulation and Machine Learning algorithms. A recently developed base model describes the life-cycle of the virus and includes a general immune response. Extension of the model to study pathogen mutation and ‘viral fitness’ is currently underway. The main focus of the proposed work will be the development of a complementary mathematical model that rigorously describes the host immune system to elucidate the complex interactions between interferon signaling pathways and the adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Collectively these models will be crucial to defining vaccine strategies, and will provide a qualitative and quantitative platform to test and guide vaccine development.