Professor Kincade’s laboratory focuses on the development of the immune system; they explore how highly specialized cells, the “soldiers of the immune system” are produced. Professor Kincade and his lab have learned that these cells are produced in large numbers throughout life and 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 leukemia and lymphomas. The research team has also recently discovered new cell types that they believe have very special jobs in the immune system and a new way the body springs into action during times of infection.