Stockholm – This year’s Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi for their groundbreaking discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance. The Karolinska Institute announced the laureates on Monday in Stockholm.
The Nobel Committee highlighted that the researchers’ work has significantly advanced the development of medical treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Their research also holds promise for improving the success rates of organ transplantation. “Their discoveries have crucially contributed to our understanding of how the immune system functions and why we do not all develop severe autoimmune diseases” stated Olle Kämpe, chair of the Nobel Committee.
Shimon Sakaguchi’s pivotal 1995 research identified a previously unknown class of immune cells that actively protect the body from autoimmune conditions. Subsequently, in 2001, Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell identified a genetic mutation in a specific mouse strain highly susceptible to autoimmune diseases. They further demonstrated that similar mutations in the equivalent human gene trigger a severe autoimmune disorder, Ipex. Sakaguchi ultimately linked this gene to the development of the very cells he initially identified in 1995, solidifying the understanding of their critical role.
The presentation of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine traditionally marks the commencement of Nobel Week. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences is scheduled to announce the Physics prize winner on Tuesday, followed by the Chemistry prize on Wednesday and the Literature prize on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be revealed on Friday in Oslo.
The Nobel Prize remains the highest recognition bestowed upon individuals in their respective fields and is awarded annually on Alfred Nobel’s memorial date, December 10th. While the Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, all other prizes are awarded in Stockholm.
