Rose O. Payne

Rose Marise Ostroff Payne (August 5, 1909 – April 19, 1999) was an American molecular biologist. She was best known for her discovery and contributions to understanding of the human major histocompatibility complex, the human leukocyte antigen. Her colleagues referred to her as "The Mother of HLA".

Early life and education Payne was born in Lakebay, Washington. Her parents were Russian immigrants and were committed to ending social inequality. She lived in the anarchist Home Colony. She said that her mother, Ethel Ostroff, was a "bit of a feminist deprived of formal education because of the old country attitude toward a Jewish female." She remained in Washington for doctoral research, investigating bacteria of marine origin. After completing her doctorate, Payne joined Oklahoma State University–Stillwater (then Oklahoma A & M). She worked as a research fellow at the University of Washington and lecturer at Seattle Central College. Payne was out of science for five years, during which time she worked as a social worker. building an extensive library that formed the basis of her future investigations. She found that white blood cell antibodies formed as an immunological reaction to blood transfusions and in pregnant women in response to the paternal human leukocyte antigen. the human major histocompatibility complex. She continued to share her discoveries, reagents and data amongst the scientific community. At the time there was a growing appreciation of histocompatibility, and it became evident that human leukocyte antigens were critical in determining compatibility of organ transplants. 1980 Katherine D. McCormick Distinguished Lecture 1984 Woman of Achievement Award

Selected publications