FIG 3 .

Mathematical model of the innate immune response to a mucormycosis infection. A schematic representation is given in panel A, where open-headed arrows illustrate recruitment, solid arrows germination, and bars inhibition. Model equations are given in panel B. Phagocytes are assumed to have a carrying capacity at which they will saturate. Germination is inhibited by the presence of phagocytes. Variables: S, spores; H, hyphae; M, macrophages; N, neutrophils. Parameters: r_M/r_N, macrophage/neutrophil recruitment rates; K_M/K_N, macrophage/neutrophil carrying capacities (maximum number at infection site); r_H, spore germination rate; K_H, germination saturation constant; β_M/β_N, macrophage/neutrophil germination inhibition coefficients. (C to E) Individual parameter variations to the mathematical model using three categories of zebrafish: “immunocompromised” (C), “susceptible” (D), and “healthy” (E). Shown is the impact of variation of individual parameters (indicated by x label) on time taken to reach H* (indicating death from mucormycosis). The dashed line marks 120 h: where the solid line lies above the dashed line, zebrafish are deemed to survive for corresponding parameter values. The asterisk indicates the default parameter value (i.e., prior to variation). The horizontal distance between the asterisk and the point at which the solid curve crosses the dashed line indicates the required absolute change to the parameter to support survival.