Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi have been jointly awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Their pioneering discoveries shed light on peripheral immune tolerance—the critical mechanism by which our immune system prevents its own cells from attacking healthy tissues and organs.
The three esteemed researchers will share a prize totaling 11 million Swedish kroner, equivalent to approximately $1.17 million.
Why Were These Discoveries Recognized?
The Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine lauded the scientists for their profound contributions to understanding the human immune system. Their research revealed how the body meticulously regulates its immune responses, thereby safeguarding itself from autoimmune attacks.
A cornerstone of their investigation was an in-depth study of T-cells, the immune system’s frontline warriors against infection. The researchers successfully identified specialized ‘regulatory T-cells,’ which play a crucial role in ensuring that regular T-cells do not mistakenly target and harm healthy cells.
This pivotal work has far-reaching implications, significantly advancing medical research in areas such as cancer therapies, autoimmune disease treatments, and even improving the success rates of organ transplantation.
What Did the Nobel Committee Highlight About Their Work?
The committee emphasized that their collective work is “fundamental” to comprehending the intricate workings of the body’s immune system.
Their research journey spanned three decades, commencing in 1995 with Dr. Sakaguchi’s experiments involving mice. He uncovered a previously unknown class of immune cells dedicated to protecting the body from autoimmune disorders.
In 2001, Dr. Brunkow and Dr. Ramsdell independently identified specific gene mutations responsible for autoimmune diseases and a subsequent malfunction in T-cell responses. Two years later, Dr. Sakaguchi successfully connected their findings with his own groundbreaking discoveries.
Following the Nobel announcement, Rickard Sandberg, a member of the prize committee, noted in an interview that this research offers a “new handle” on developing innovative approaches to autoimmune conditions, various treatments, and organ transplant procedures. Currently, over 200 clinical trials are underway, directly building upon their collective insights.
Meet the Laureates
Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi serves as a distinguished professor and an expert in immunology at Osaka University.
Mary Brunkow conducts research on genomics and autoimmune diseases at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. Fred Ramsdell is a scientific adviser at Sonoma Bio, a biotechnology firm located in San Francisco. Their award-winning research was conducted in the Seattle area while they were affiliated with Celltech Chiroscience, then a British-owned biotechnology company.
Who Received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2024?
Last year, Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were honored for their discovery of microRNA, a minute class of RNA molecules vital for regulating how organisms mature, function, and sometimes malfunction.
When Are the Other Nobel Prizes Announced?
The prize in physiology or medicine kicks off the announcement of six Nobel Prizes this year. Each award recognizes exceptional contributions by individuals or organizations in their respective fields.
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The Nobel Prize in Physics will be announced on Tuesday by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. In the previous year, John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton were jointly awarded for their work that enhanced computer learning capabilities, mirroring the human brain, thus laying the groundwork for advancements in artificial intelligence.
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The Nobel Prize in Chemistry will follow on Wednesday, also from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. Last year’s recipients, Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, and David Baker, were recognized for demonstrating how artificial intelligence and other technologies could predict protein shapes and design novel ones.
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The Nobel Prize in Literature will be revealed on Thursday by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. Han Kang, best known for her novel “The Vegetarian,” made history last year as the first South Korean writer to receive this esteemed award.
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The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday by the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo. The Japanese organization Nihon Hidankyo, a grass-roots movement of atomic bomb survivors, was awarded last year for its relentless efforts toward a world free of nuclear weapons.
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Next week, on Monday, the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences will be awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm. Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson were honored last year for their research on how institutions shape national wealth and prosperity, and their historical evolution.
All Nobel Prize announcements are broadcast live by the Nobel Prize organization.