On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm announced the winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. This year’s laureates are Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi, recognized for their discoveries on peripheral immune tolerance – the mechanism by which the immune system identifies and protects the body’s own cells.
“Their work is fundamental to understanding how the immune system maintains balance and protects the body from attacks on its own cells,” said Olle Kämpe, Chair of the Nobel Committee.
Regulatory T Cells: Guardians of the Immune System
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The researchers’ discoveries identified regulatory T cells (Tregs), which prevent autoimmune diseases and open new avenues for innovative treatments, including cancer immunotherapies. These cells act as a control system, preventing autoimmune reactions that can cause conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or type 1 diabetes. Their work has enabled the development of therapies that regulate immune responses, either boosting the body’s defense or reducing autoimmune attacks.
Following the announcement for Medicine, the upcoming prizes will be awarded as follows:
- Tuesday, October 7 – Physics
- Wednesday, October 8 – Chemistry
- Thursday, October 9 – Literature
- Friday, October 10 – Peace
- Monday, October 13 – Economics
Each prize includes a diploma, a gold medal, and 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately 1 million euros). The official ceremony will take place on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
A Tradition with Global Impact
The Nobel Prizes were established by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, who in his 1895 will left most of his fortune to reward achievements that “confer the greatest benefit to humankind.” The first Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded in 1901 to Emil von Behring for the discovery of diphtheria antitoxin.
To date, over 200 researchers have received the Nobel Prize in Medicine, including 13 women, with laureates ranging in age from 32 (Frederick G. Banting) to 87 (Peyton Rous).
Photo: britannica.com
