Kimberly Payne
Dr. Payne translates data obtained using with mice to human systems and uses human systems to answer questions that cannot be addressed in animal models (Immunity26:674, 2007). Dr. Payne developed a novel human-only in vitro model of human B cell development that allows her laboratory to understand factors that are critical in early stages of normal B cell development. Her laboratory used this model to identify IL-7 as an essential cytokine in the B cell production in adults (J Immunol. 2009, 182(7):4255-66). Her group uses this model to study differences in neonatal and adult B cell production and identify cytokines that act cooperatively with Ikaros defects and contribute to the expansion of malignant cells in B cell progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). (J Biol Chem 2008, 283:8291 J Biol Chem. 2009, 284:13869; Leukemia Research. 2010, 34:416.). Dr. Payne's work will provide important information about fetal/neonatal immunity and adult immunity and will serve as a basis for understanding the role of immunity in health disparities that exist at all stages of life