STOCKHOLM, Oct 6: Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering discoveries on peripheral immune tolerance, a crucial mechanism that prevents the body’s immune system from attacking its own tissues.
Announcing the award in Stockholm on Monday, the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute said the trio’s work has significantly deepened understanding of how the immune system distinguishes between “self” and “non-self,” paving the way for advances in treating autoimmune diseases and improving organ transplant success.
Peripheral immune tolerance helps regulate the body’s defence system by keeping immune responses in check and preventing it from malfunctioning or turning against healthy cells.
The three scientists will formally receive the Nobel medals and diplomas at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Last year’s medicine prize was shared by Americans Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA, tiny genetic regulators that act as on-off switches inside cells.
This year’s Nobel week continues with the physics prize on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday, literature on Thursday, and the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, followed by the economics prize on October 13.
