Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Announced on October 6: Honoring Immune System Discoveries
On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists. The winners are Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi. They received the prize for their work on the human immune system. Their research focused on a process called peripheral immune tolerance. This discovery helps explain how our body avoids attacking its own organs.
The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm made the announcement. This prize is one of the most respected awards in science. It honors people who make important contributions to human health and knowledge.
What Is Peripheral Immune Tolerance?
Our immune system protects us from viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microbes. But sometimes, it can mistakenly attack our own body. This can lead to diseases like autoimmune disorders. Peripheral immune tolerance is a process that prevents this from happening.
The three scientists discovered special immune cells called regulatory T cells. These cells act like guards. They stop the immune system from attacking healthy tissues. This finding opened a new field of research. It also led to new treatments for diseases like cancer and autoimmune conditions.
About the Winners
Mary E. Brunkow was born in 1961. She works at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Fred Ramsdell was born on December 4, 1960. He is affiliated with Sonoma Biotherapeutics in San Francisco, California, USA.
Shimon Sakaguchi was born on January 19, 1951. He works at Osaka University in Osaka, Japan.
Their combined work spans decades. Sakaguchi first identified regulatory T cells in 1995. Brunkow and Ramsdell later discovered the Foxp3 gene. This gene controls the development of these cells. Mutations in Foxp3 can lead to a rare disease called IPEX syndrome. This condition causes the immune system to attack the body.
Why This Matters
The discoveries made by these scientists are very important. They help doctors understand how the immune system works. Their research has led to new treatments. These include therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials are now testing these treatments. The goal is to improve patient care and save lives.
Nobel Prize Details
Each Nobel Prize winner receives a gold medal, a diploma, and 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1.2 million USD). The awards are given every year on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death. The Nobel Prize was created by Nobel’s will in 1895. He wanted to honor people who benefit humanity.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine is chosen by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute. Other prizes include Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. The Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway. The rest are given in Stockholm, Sweden.