Paul Wayne Kincade, PhD, DFAAAI, died on October 5, 2025, five days before his 81st birthday. Dr. Kincade was the 86th president of the American Association of Immunologists and a Distinguished Fellow of AAI. He was an internationally recognized stem-cell biologist whose career spanned six decades. Since 1982, he was a researcher and leader at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF).
Stem Cell Discoveries
Dr. Kincade’s love of immunology began when he was a junior in college, taking a course from Bruce Glick at Mississippi State University. From Glick, he learned not only scientific fundamentals, but also the importance of teaching students to search for the right questions to ask. He dedicated much of his career to untangling the mysteries of stem cells and their role in the immune system.
Nearly two decades ago, Dr. Kincade discovered that marrow stem cells possess receptors that recognize bacteria and viruses, contrary to prior understanding. More recently, his team at OMRF has established a connection between chronic infections, stem cells and aging.
A Lifetime of Service
Dr. Kincade joined AAI in 1975. As President, he worked to increase opportunities for young scientists and strengthen cooperation with the global community of immunologists. In addition to serving on the Council beginning in 1997 and as President 2002–03, his extraordinary record of service to the organization included time on the Trainee Affairs Committee (1983–85), the Program Committee (1988–94; 1994–97 as chair), and the Nominating Committee (1991–92).
Dr. Kincade represented AAI ion the FASEB Board (1998–2004) and on the IUIS Council (1994–2004). He was also an associate editor for The Journal of Immunology and a faculty member of the AAI Advanced Course in Immunology. Among his many honors are the AAI Distinguished Service Award and inclusion on the ISI List of Highly Cited Scientists.
In 2014, Dr. Kincade sat for an AAI oral history interview in which he discussed his career, involvement with AAI, and his hopes for the field:
Read a full obituary for Dr. Kincade here.
