Overview

• The Nobel Committee in Stockholm named Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi laureates for discoveries explaining peripheral immune tolerance.
• Sakaguchi identified regulatory T cells as a distinct lymphocyte class that prevents the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues.
• Brunkow and Ramsdell helped link FOXP3 mutations to dysfunctional Tregs and human disease, including the IPEX syndrome, establishing a genetic basis for failed tolerance.
• Experts say the findings have been repeatedly validated and now underpin targeted approaches for autoimmune disorders, allergy desensitization, transplant success and oncology.
• The prize totals 11 million Swedish kronor, to be shared equally, with formal award ceremonies scheduled for 10 December.