Thomas Boehm

Prof. Thomas Boehm is a renowned immunobiologist serving as Director at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology & Epigenetics and Honorary Professor at the Medical Faculty of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. His research focuses on understanding the genetic and evolutionary basis of adaptive immunity in vertebrates, with emphasis on T-cell development and thymus function.

Education:

• MD from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt (1982)
• Habilitation in Biological Chemistry (1988)

Research Interests: Boehm’s work bridges immunology and evolutionary biology. He discovered the FOXN1 gene critical for thymus development, elucidated T-cell maturation mechanisms, and pioneered studies on immune system evolution using lampreys, sharks, and other vertebrates. His lab investigates MHC-mediated peptide presentation and artificial thymus tissue engineering.

Awards: Recipient of the 2024 Leopoldina Mendel Medal, 2021 Heinrich Wieland Prize, 1997 Leibniz Prize, and multiple other accolades recognizing his contributions to immunology and genetics.

Grants & Labs: Leads projects funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and DFG. His lab integrates genetic, evolutionary, and clinical perspectives to address immune disorders and regenerative medicine challenges.