A trio of two American scientists and one Japanese scientist have been awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance. This is a mechanism in which the body prevents itself from attacking its own tissue instead of foreign invaders, prompting the development of new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. 

 

Scientists Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi have identified microRNA. These are tiny bits of genetic material that act as on-and-off switches within cells, regulating how and when the cell executes its functions. 

 

“Their discoveries have been decisive for our understanding of how the immune system functions and why we do not all develop serious autoimmune diseases,” said Olle Kämpe, chair of the Nobel Committee. 

 

The trio will share the prize money of 11 million Swedish kroner (Nearly $1.2 million).

 

The award is the first of the 2025 Nobel Prize announcements. More Nobel announcements will continue this week.

 

The award ceremony will be held on Dec. 10th