Paul M. Allen
Encyclopedia
Paul M. Allen is an American cellular immunologist and current Robert L. Kroc Professor of Pathology and Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine
.
Allen's work specializes in the study of how T lymphocytes recognize antigen
s and initiate an immune response. He and Emil R. Unanue
were responsible for the discovery that antigen-presenting cell
s (APCs) present antigens to bind to a special group of molecules known as the major histocompatibility complex
(MHC).
In 2006, He served as the president of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI), the largest professional association of immunologists in the world.
Washington University School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine , located in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the graduate schools of Washington University in St. Louis. One of the top medical schools in the United States, it is currently ranked 4th for research according to U.S. News and World Report and has been listed...
.
Allen's work specializes in the study of how T lymphocytes recognize antigen
Antigen
An antigen is a foreign molecule that, when introduced into the body, triggers the production of an antibody by the immune system. The immune system will then kill or neutralize the antigen that is recognized as a foreign and potentially harmful invader. These invaders can be molecules such as...
s and initiate an immune response. He and Emil R. Unanue
Emil R. Unanue
Dr. Emil Raphael Unanue is an immunologist and the current Paul & Ellen Lacy Professor at Washington University School of Medicine. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Medicine...
were responsible for the discovery that antigen-presenting cell
Antigen-presenting cell
An antigen-presenting cell or accessory cell is a cell that displays foreign antigen complexes with major histocompatibility complex on their surfaces. T-cells may recognize these complexes using their T-cell receptors...
s (APCs) present antigens to bind to a special group of molecules known as the major histocompatibility complex
Major histocompatibility complex
Major histocompatibility complex is a cell surface molecule encoded by a large gene family in all vertebrates. MHC molecules mediate interactions of leukocytes, also called white blood cells , which are immune cells, with other leukocytes or body cells...
(MHC).
In 2006, He served as the president of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI), the largest professional association of immunologists in the world.