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Immunobiology and Cancer Research Program

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OMRF researchers solve decades-old riddle

Paul W. Kincade, Ph.D. Member and Program Chair, Immunobiology and Cancer Research   Program William H. and Rita Bell Chair in Biomedical Research Adjunct Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of   Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Dr. Paul W. Kincade has been in Oklahoma since 1982 and heads the Immunobiology & Cancer Research Program of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.  His personal research involves development of the immune system.  That is, he is learning how highly specialized cells that he calls "soldiers of the immune system" are produced.  Formally called lymphocytes, these cells are produced in two types of factories: the bone marrow and thymus.  Lymphocytes migrate throughout the body and work together in teams to keep us healthy.  However, they eventually grow tired and must constantly be replaced.  The Kincade lab has learned that they are produced in large numbers throughout life.  They have discovered that many proteins and hormones such as estrogen are responsible for carefully controlling lymphocyte production.  Abnormalities in this vital process result in immune deficiency diseases, autoimmunity and cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas.

The Kincade laboratory recently discovered two new cell types that they believe have very special jobs in the immune system.  Additionally, this research team found a new way the body springs into action during times of infection.  They discovered that even stem cells can recognize bacterial and viral products.  Stem cells in bone marrow quickly respond by producing new cells that function in what is called "innate immunity".  This represents an important new way the bone marrow can replenish our first lines of defense.  The scientists believe the findings will also be informative about some age-related changes.

Dr. Kincade is now Past President of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, an organization that represents 60,000 scientists.  Prior to that, he was President of the American Association of Immunologists (6,500 medical researchers).  Those positions provided an opportunity to argue for greater support for medical research.  Dr. Kincade also works on behalf of the scientists of tomorrow.