The Immune System as a Self-Identification Process: a survey and a proposal

We first compare the paradigm of the immunity-based system with other biological paradigm such as neural networks and genetic algorithm. We review studies of the immunity-based system dividing them into three classes: recognition/learning based on Jerne’s network, adaptation based on Edelman’s selection principle, and search/optimization based on Holland’s genetic algorithm. We also propose that the self-identification process is yet another important aspect of the immune system, which has not been much studied. Some implications to computer networks will be discussed.