Trio wins Nobel Prize in medicine for immune system research – DW – 10/06/2025

Trio Wins Nobel Prize in Medicine for Immune System Research STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - October 6, 2025 - The Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute announced today that Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell of the United States and Shimun Sakaguchi of Japan will share the 2025 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their groundbreaking research on peripheral immune tolerance. The prize, worth 11 million Swedish kronor (1.2 million), was awarded to the trio "for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance," according to the Nobel Assembly's statement. Their work has laid the foundation for a new field of research and has led to the development of new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. "This is a significant achievement in the field of medicine, and we are thrilled that Drs. Brunkow, Ramsdell, and Sakaguchi have been recognized for their contributions," said Dr. Maria Cepinska, a leading expert on immunology at the Karolinska Institute. "Their research has opened up new avenues for understanding how our immune system works and how we can develop more effective treatments for diseases." The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine has a rich history, with 115 awards given to 229 laureates between 1901 and 2024. Last year's prize was shared by Americans Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their discovery of microRNA, which serves as an on-and-off switch inside cells that helps control what the cells do and when they do it. The winners will receive a gold medal from the King of Sweden in addition to the prize money. "This is a tremendous honor, not just for us but also for our families and colleagues who have supported us throughout our careers," said Dr. Brunkow in a statement. The research conducted by the trio has far-reaching implications for human health. According to the Nobel Assembly's statement, their discoveries have led to new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, which affect millions of people worldwide. "This prize is not just a recognition of their individual contributions but also a testament to the power of scientific collaboration and discovery," said Dr. Cepinska. The physics prize will be announced on Tuesday, while the chemistry prize was awarded last week to researchers from the United States and Germany for their work on developing new methods for synthesizing complex molecules. In related news, health experts are emphasizing the importance of continued research in immunology and its applications in medicine. "This prize is a reminder that there is still much to be learned about our immune system, and we must continue to invest in research to develop more effective treatments for diseases," said Dr. Cepinska. The winners' work has sparked hope among patients and healthcare professionals alike. "Their discoveries have given us new tools to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases, and we look forward to seeing the impact of their research on human health," said Dr. Brunkow. As the medical community continues to build upon the trio's groundbreaking research, patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers about how they can benefit from these advances in immunology. "While this prize is a significant achievement, it is also a reminder that there is still much work to be done to improve human health," said Dr. Cepinska. The Nobel Prize ceremony will take place on December 10, 2025, at the Stockholm Concert Hall in Sweden. *Reporting by Dw.*