Kristen Pauken
Assistant Professor
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Immunology
The Pauken lab heavily utilizes mouse models of cancer and autoimmunity to interrogate: 1) the cellular and molecular drivers of CD8+ T cell fate and functional potential in the settings of cancer and autoimmunity, 2) how anatomical location interfaces with CD8+ T cell differentiation, and how these two factors impact sensitivity to immunotherapy agents such as PD-1 inhibitors, and 3) how the presence of one chronic disease state (e.g. cancer) influences T cell differentiation and function in other chronic disease states (e.g. autoimmunity), and how this ultimately impacts response to immunotherapy.
Our lab uses high dimensional flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, and single cell RNA seq to interrogate CD8+ T cell differentiation state and function in cancer and autoimmunity. Moreover, the lab utilizes the T cell receptor (TCR) sequence as a molecular barcode to enable focusing of analyses to the populations of highest interest to each disease setting.
Projects in the Pauken lab can: exclusively focus on cancer, exclusively focus on autoimmunity, or combine the two to interrogate how multiple disease states in the same individual impact the ensuing immune response. By joining my lab, you can expect hands on mentorship, a positive and supportive work environment, and a collaborative group dynamic.
McGovern Medical School Faculty
Education & Training
PhD - University of Minnesota - 2013