Title:  Endogenous and Exogenous Control of Virus-Host Dynamics

Committee:

Dr. Yorai Wardi, ECE, Chair, Advisor

Dr. Joshua Weitz, Biology, Co-Advisor

Dr. Samuel Coogan, ECE

Dr. Kyriakos Vamvoudakis, AE

Dr. Michael Hochberg, Biology, CNRS

Dr. Magnus Egerstedt, ECE

Abstract: Optimization and control techniques are ubiquitous and used in diverse fields such as Mathematics, Engineering and Science. In this thesis, we focus on applications of model-based optimization and control in complex, nonlinear virus-host systems. In model-based optimization, the system dynamics are either known or partially estimated using data. Here, we consider virus-host systems where the control can be endogenous or externally imposed. For endogenous control, we study the lysis-lysogeny decision for phage-bacteria system. To emulate natural selection, we use optimal control techniques and try to find the decision strategies which maximize the fitness of the phage. For exogenous control, we study pandemics caused by viruses (specifically COVID-19) and design both pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention strategies to mitigate its impact.