Mathematical models can provide quantitative insight into immunoreceptor signaling, but require parameterization and uncertainty quantification before making reliable predictions. We review currently available methods and software tools to address these problems. We consider gradient-based and gradient-free methods for point estimation of parameter values, and methods of profile likelihood, bootstrapping, and Bayesian inference for uncertainty quantification. We consider recent and potential future applications of these methods to systems-level modeling of immune-related phenomena.
Highlights• Models of immunoreceptor signaling often contain parameters that must be fit to data.• New tools including PyBioNetFit and AMICI support automated parameter estimation.• Optimization algorithms can be used to obtain point estimates of parameter values.• Parameter estimation can incorporate both quantitative and qualitative data.• Uncertainty quantification assesses confidence in parameter values and model predictions.