ABSTRACT

A number of authors believe that the functioning of the immune system is most adequately described by the immune network theory. The Id-specific effects, transmitted from whatever level, may, in principle, be directed at both the lower and the higher immune network level. This chapter examines the symmetrical and asymmetrical transmission of a stimulus in the immune network. It shows that it is possible to predict the direction of transmission of the signals and the intensity of the non-specific side reactions. The combining of Id and paratope with complementary structures that belong to the lower and the higher level will be symmetrical, too. This symmetry of binding may be disturbed only if sites complementary to the Id or the paratope are missing. With the adopted limitations, the transmission of activation between levels of these two types of immune network will preferentially be symmetrical in nature.