His research team identified, purified and characterized the first interleukin molecule and it’s receptor, then demonstrated how this immunological hormone-receptor system regulates the tempo, magnitude and duration of the immune response.

Further research for over 25 years at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City revealed how the immune system determines all-or-none molecular responses and regulates itself via negative feedback loops. These advances have led to our understanding that mutations in the genes encoding the molecules of the immune system are responsible for leukemias and lymphomas, congenital immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders. Moreover, these molecular advances have led to the development of new immunoinhibitory therapies useful for organ transplants, autoimmune disorders and allergies, as well as immunostimulatory therapies for cancer.

Dr. Smith has published 237 scientific articles and has authored two other books, The Quantal Theory of Immunity: The Molecular Basis of Autoimmunity and Leukemia (2010) and Molecular Immunity: A Chronology of 60 Years of Discoveries.

Kendall has since left the lab for the warm, sun soaked beauty of Bird Key, in Sarasota, Florida. Here he devotes his time to creating art, a regimen of daily physical exercise, and an ongoing grappling match with the French language. He spends a portion of each summer in France along with his wonderful wife, Lynn, where he devotes himself to serious writing, serious living and the serious enjoyment of fresh croissants, good Bordeaux and better living. When not in France or engaging with any one of his numerous hobbies, he can be found speaking about the finer points of immunology, molecular biology and medical science in general. He stays up to date with all of the incredible cures being developed for diseases like cancer and is very proud to have played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for their development.