2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Three eminent scientists, Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi, received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for groundbreaking discoveries in immune system regulation, particularly peripheral immune tolerance. Their work has significant implications for treatments of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Key Discoveries and Contributions
- The trio elucidated mechanisms by which the immune system refrains from attacking healthy cells, which is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases.
- Their research highlighted the role of regulatory T cells, often referred to as the immune system's "security guards".
Individual Roles
- Mary Brunkow: Senior programme manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle.
- Fred Ramsdell: Scientific adviser at Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco. Known for identifying the gene controlling regulatory T cell development.
- Shimon Sakaguchi: Professor at Osaka University. Expressed optimism about immunotherapy's future in cancer treatment.
Significance
- Their findings on immune tolerance provide a foundation for potential new therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- Currently, over 200 clinical trials are exploring therapies based on this research.
Collaborations and Future Implications
- Sonoma Biotherapeutics, advised by Ramsdell, and supported by Regeneron, is developing treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Quell Therapeutics, partnering with AstraZeneca, and Bayer’s BlueRock Therapeutics are also exploring related cell-based therapies.
Awards and Recognition
The laureates will share a prize of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million) and receive gold medals from Sweden’s king, as part of their recognition by the Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute.