William E. Paul

PHS officers at NIH

William E. Paul (June 12, 1936 – September 18, 2015) was an American immunologist known for his pioneering research in the field of immunology. He made significant contributions to the understanding of cytokines and the immune system, particularly in the study of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and its role in allergic responses and autoimmune diseases.

Early Life and Education

William E. Paul was born on June 12, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York City. He attended Harvard College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1958. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1962.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Paul joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1968, where he worked for over four decades. He served as the Chief of the Laboratory of Immunology at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1970 to 2015. During his tenure, he conducted groundbreaking research on the molecular mechanisms of the immune response.

Research Contributions

Paul's research focused on the role of cytokines in the immune system. He is best known for his discovery and characterization of interleukin-4 (IL-4), a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the differentiation of T helper cells and the regulation of IgE production. His work on IL-4 has had significant implications for understanding allergic diseases and asthma.

In addition to his work on IL-4, Paul made important contributions to the study of HIV/AIDS. He was the founding director of the NIH Office of AIDS Research from 1994 to 1997, where he helped coordinate and promote research efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, William E. Paul received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to immunology, including:

• The American Association of Immunologists Lifetime Achievement Award
• The National Academy of Sciences membership
• The Institute of Medicine membership

Personal Life

William E. Paul was married and had three children. He passed away on September 18, 2015, at the age of 79.

Legacy

Paul's work has had a lasting impact on the field of immunology, particularly in the understanding of cytokine biology and the immune response. His research has paved the way for new treatments for allergic diseases and autoimmune disorders.

See Also

• Immunology
• Cytokines
• Interleukin-4
• National Institutes of Health
• HIV/AIDS research

External Links

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