The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their pioneering work on regulatory T cells, transforming global understanding of immune tolerance.
Key Highlights:
- Discovery of FOXP3 gene and its role in Treg cell development revolutionised autoimmune disease research
- Work laid foundation for therapies in cancer, transplantation, and chronic inflammation
- Brunkow identified FOXP3 mutations linked to immune dysregulation
- Ramsdell validated FOXP3’s function in immune suppression
- Sakaguchi’s early research defined Treg cells as key modulators of immune balance
- Findings have led to clinical trials targeting Treg pathways in multiple conditions
Scientific Impact:
- Advances precision immunotherapy and personalised medicine
- Bridges basic immunology with translational healthcare innovation
Sources: Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute, Nature Medicine, Science Immunology, Reuters Health Desk 2025