Silke Paepens

The human immune system relies on T cells to protect against infections and cancer. These T cells develop in the thymus, where early progenitor cells, known as thymus-seeding progenitors (TSPs), initiate differentiation. My research investigates developmental differences between fetal and post-natal TSPs, their lineage potential, and how their microenvironment shapes their fate. Although my primary focus is fundamental T cell biology, my findings are relevant to cancer research. T cell development declines with age, weakening immune responses. Similarly, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience T cell depletion and impaired recovery. By identifying key regulators of TSP differentiation, my research could help develop strategies to enhance immune recovery. In bone marrow transplantation, T cell regeneration is often inefficient due to limited stem cell-derived T cell production. Enhancing this process, such as by introducing TSPs alongside stem cells, could improve immune reconstitution. Understanding TSP differentiation and early T cell development is therefore crucial for strategies to enhance T cell regeneration. This could also benefit T cell-based immunotherapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, which rely on functional T cells. Additionally, disruptions in thymic progenitor differentiation and niche interactions may contribute to leukemias originating from early T cell precursors. Understanding their developmental pathways offers insights into leukemogenesis and may aid in identifying new therapeutic targets. My research integrates immunology, developmental biology, and advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and imaging. This multidisciplinary approach contributes to a broader understanding of immune cell development, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and cancer immunotherapy. 
 

I studied Biomedical Sciences and completed my Master's degree in Immunology. For my thesis, I worked in the CDIT lab, where I focused on investigating cell death. Afterward, I began my PhD at the T Cell Lab, under the supervision of Tom Taghon, where my research centers on early T cell development and thymus-seeding progenitors.
 

• Lab address: Taghon Lab, Medical Research Building 2 (MRB2) (entrance 38), Campus UZ Gent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
• Taghon lab
• Silke Paepens is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks