Thomas Boehm (biologist)

Thomas Boehm is a German immunobiologist best known for his research on the evolution and development of the thymus, the organ responsible for T cell maturation. He is a Director at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany, where he heads the Department of Developmental Immunology.

Boehm's research has focused on understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying thymus development and the generation of T cell diversity. His work has identified key transcription factors and signaling pathways that regulate the formation and function of the thymus, including the role of Aire (Autoimmune Regulator) in establishing central tolerance. His lab has also made significant contributions to understanding the evolutionary origins of the adaptive immune system, studying the thymus in diverse vertebrate species to trace its evolutionary history. He has received numerous awards and honors for his research, including the Leibniz Prize, Germany's highest research award. His work has provided important insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies.