FIRST PASSAGE TIMES TO T CELL ACTIVATION.

T cell recognition is modeled as a multistage Markov process, coupled with spatial diffusion, exit, and death. All four processes are represented through a system of partial differential equations that are analyzed under Robin and Neumann boundary conditions. Using first-passage time theory, we calculate activation probabilities and mean activation times. We also show how kinetic proofreading through stochastic resetting enhances specificity.