American scientists Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell, alongside Japanese researcher Shimon Sakaguchi, have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their pioneering work explores how the immune system avoids attacking healthy cells, opening avenues for new treatments in cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Nobel Prize Recognition
The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute announced the winners on October 6, 2025, in Stockholm, Sweden. The award signifies significant progress in understanding immune system regulation, particularly through the role of regulatory T cells.
Key Contributions
- Marginal T Cells and FOXP3 Gene: Brunkow and Ramsdell’s research identified the FOXP3 gene as a crucial marker for regulatory T cells, which act as a “braking system” that modulates immune responses.
- Research Progress: Over 200 clinical trials involving regulatory T cells are currently underway, focusing on advancing therapies for various diseases.
Significance of the Discovery
Marie Wahren-Herlenius, a professor at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, described their findings as instrumental in comprehending ‘peripheral immune tolerance.’ This concept is vital in managing infections while preventing autoimmune diseases.
Future Implications in Medicine
Sakaguchi, during a press conference in Osaka, expressed surprise and delight at the award. He emphasized the potential of immunotherapy in cancer treatment, predicting that advancements could change the perception of cancer from a dreadful condition to a treatable one.
Expert Community Response
Jeffrey Bluestone, a colleague of Ramsdell, highlighted the significance of the FOXP3 gene in regulating immune tolerance. Their collaborative work, first published in 2001, laid the groundwork for understanding how these cells function.
Prize Details
The Nobel Prize includes a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.2 million) and a gold medal presented by the King of Sweden. This year’s medicine award marks the commencement of the 2025 Nobel season, with the Nobel Prize in Physics scheduled for announcement next.
A 124-Year Tradition
The Nobel Prizes have been awarded since 1901, recognizing exceptional contributions in various fields, including medicine. Previous recipients, like Alexander Fleming, have also made landmark discoveries, shaping modern therapeutics.
As the field of immunology progresses, the groundbreaking research by Brunkow, Ramsdell, and Sakaguchi is set to inspire transformative developments in medical science, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
