The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi. The scientists were recognized for their groundbreaking research that explained how the immune system distinguishes the body’s own cells and prevents their destruction.
Their discovery centers on the phenomenon of peripheral immune tolerance — a mechanism that allows the immune system to remain active against infections without harming the body itself. The researchers identified the key role of regulatory T cells, known as the immune system’s “guardians,” which suppress excessive immune reactions and prevent autoimmune attacks.
This breakthrough has paved the way for a new field of biomedical research. The findings have led to the development of innovative approaches to treating cancer, autoimmune diseases, and immune disorders once considered incurable.
As noted by the official Nobel Committee, the work of Brunkow, Ramsdell, and Sakaguchi represents one of the most significant contributions to modern immunology, shedding light on how the body’s powerful defense system avoids turning against itself.
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