The 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to three prominent immunologists: Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi. Their groundbreaking work on peripheral immune tolerance has paved the way for new therapeutic approaches to cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Nobel Laureates and Their Contributions
- Mary Brunkow
- Born in 1961, she earned her doctorate at Princeton University.
- Currently works at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, USA.
- Fred Ramsdell
- 64 years old, hails from Illinois, USA.
- Completed his doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Science advisor at Sonoma Biotherapeutics, San Francisco.
- Shimon Sakaguchi
- Born in 1949, he received his PhD in 1983 from Kyoto University.
- Professor at Osaka University in Japan.
Major Discoveries
The research conducted by these scientists centers on the immune system’s response to triggers. Sakaguchi’s identification of regulatory T-cells in the mid-1990s was critical. These cells are essential for regulating immune response and preventing autoimmune reactions.
Later, Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered that a mutation in the Foxp3 gene predisposes mice to autoimmune diseases. Sakaguchi later confirmed that this gene is crucial for the functioning of regulatory T-cells. Together, their work has significantly advanced understanding of the immune system’s mechanisms.
Significance of the Award
Olle Kämpe, head of the Nobel Committee, stated that this research improves our understanding of why some individuals develop severe autoimmune diseases while others do not. The Awards are a recognition of the foundational contributions to a critical area of immunology and potential therapies.
Prize Ceremony Details
The Nobel Prize, accompanied by a monetary award of 11 million Swedish Krona (approximately one million Euros), will be formally presented on December 10. This date commemorates Alfred Nobel’s death, the founder of the Nobel Prizes.
The announcement of Nobel Prize winners continues with upcoming categories for Physics and Chemistry, followed by Literature and Peace. The series will conclude with the announcement of the Economic Science Prize, sponsored by the Swedish Central Bank.
Accessibility of Awardees
At the time of the announcement, Brunkow and Ramsdell were unavailable for immediate comment. The only one reachable was Sakaguchi, who expressed deep gratitude for the honor, calling it a “fantastic privilege.” The time zone differences in the United States likely contributed to the other scientists’ unavailability.
This year’s awards reflect not only a significant achievement in immunology but also continue the legacy of medical research recognized by the Nobel system since 1901.
