Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025

On October 7, 2025, the Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025 to Mary E. Brunkow (USA), Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for their groundbreaking discovery of peripheral immune tolerance. This prestigious Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 announcement highlights the Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Winners List, recognizing these scientists as the Nobel Prize Winners in Medicine 2025 and Nobel Prize Winners in Physiology or Medicine 2025.

This discovery is pivotal in understanding the regulation of the immune system and holds immense potential to revolutionize treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and organ transplantation.

Scientific Basis of the Discovery

The human immune system safeguards the body against external pathogens (viruses, bacteria) and abnormal cells (such as cancer cells). However, dysregulation can lead the immune system to attack healthy cells, causing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

The immune system maintains balance through two key mechanisms:

• Central Tolerance: Selection and training of T cells in the thymus gland, where self-reactive T cells are eliminated.
• Peripheral Tolerance: Regulation of immune responses outside the thymus in other parts of the body.

The Medicine Nobel Prize 2025 focuses on peripheral tolerance, a critical mechanism that prevents the immune system from becoming overactive.

Contributions of the Laureates

Shimon Sakaguchi

• In the 1980s-90s, Sakaguchi discovered Regulatory T Cells (Tregs), which act as the immune system’s “police,” controlling harmful T cells. His seminal work earned him recognition in the Shimon Sakaguchi Nobel Prize as part of the Nobel Prize For Medicine 2025.
• Demonstrated that Tregs suppress self-reactive immune responses, preventing autoimmune diseases.
• Identified the FOXP3 protein as a critical “master switch” for Treg functionality.
• Impact: His discovery laid the foundation for immunotherapy, such as CAR-T cell therapy, used in treating cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Mary E. Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell

• In the 1990s, they studied the Scurfy mutation in mice, caused by a deficiency in the FOXP3 gene, leading to dysfunctional Tregs.
• This mutation resulted in severe autoimmune diseases in mice and helped understand the human condition IPEX syndrome (Immunodysregulation Polyendocrinopathy Enteropathy X-linked), caused by FOXP3 deficiency.
• Impact: Their work reinforced the role of Tregs and paved the way for targeted therapies for autoimmune diseases, cementing their place among the Nobel Prize Winners in Medicine in the Nobel Prize 2025 in Medicine.

Impact of the Discovery

• Autoimmune Diseases: New drugs and therapies are being developed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type-1 diabetes.
• Cancer Immunotherapy: Controlling Tregs can enhance the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.
• Organ Transplantation: Tregs can reduce transplant rejection rates.
• Clinical Trials: The Nobel Committee notes that over 200 clinical trials are underway for Treg-based treatments.

Relevance for India

• Burden of Autoimmune Diseases: Approximately 80 million people in India are affected by autoimmune diseases.
• Biotech Sector: India’s biotechnology industry, including companies like Biocon and Serum Institute, is investing heavily in immunotherapy and biosimilars.
• Health Policy: Initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and Ayushman Bharat can promote data-driven treatments.
• Global Position: India should enhance its participation in global research, particularly with countries like Japan and the USA, leveraging insights from the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Nobel Prize

Introduction

• The Nobel Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious awards, established in 1901 based on the will of Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel.
• Known for inventing dynamite, Nobel dedicated his wealth to honor outstanding contributions to humanity.
• The Nobel Prizes are awarded in six fields: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economics (started in 1969, sponsored by Sveriges Riksbank).
• Each prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a cash award (approximately 11 million Swedish Kronor in 2025, equivalent to ~8 crore INR).

Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

• This prize is awarded to scientists who have made revolutionary contributions to human health and medical science. The Nobel Prize in Medicine, often referred to as Nobel Prize Medicine, continues to inspire with selections like the Nobel Prize Winners in Medicine 2025.
• It is selected by the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and announced annually in October.

Historical and Social Significance of Nobel Prizes

Historical Perspective

Recent Nobel Prizes in Medicine have recognized transformative discoveries, such as:

• 2023: mRNA vaccines (for COVID-19).
• 2020: Discovery of the Hepatitis C virus.
• 2019: Oxygen-sensing mechanisms. These advancements have significantly influenced health policies in India.

These have impacted health policies in India.

Social Impact

• Nobel Prizes inspire scientific enthusiasm and encourage youth to pursue research. In India, schemes like INSPIRE and KIRAN promote this.

Controversies

• Nobel Prizes have faced criticism for gender disparities or Western dominance. However, the 2025 selection of Japan’s Shimon Sakaguchi reflects global inclusivity, enhancing the Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Winners List.

Conclusion

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025 marks a milestone in understanding the immune system’s complex mechanisms. This discovery by the Nobel Prize Winners in Physiology or Medicine 2025 will advance scientific research and contribute to making healthcare more affordable and effective in countries like India, solidifying the legacy of the Nobel Prize Medicine.

Main Examination – Potential Questions:

Que 1: How has the 2025 Nobel Prize discovery contributed to the field of biotechnology? Discuss its impact on India. (General Studies Paper-3: Science and Technology)

Que 2: How can the discovery of immune system regulation strengthen India’s health policies? (General Studies Paper-2: Health and Governance)

Essay – Potential Question:

Question: “Science and Humanity: The Global Impact of Nobel Prizes”

 

Preliminary Examination – Potential Questions:

Que 1: Who were awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine?

1. A) Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman
   B) Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi
   C) David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian
   D) William G. Kaelin Jr., Peter J. Ratcliffe, and Gregg L. Semenza

Correct Answer: B) Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi

Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow (USA), Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for their discovery of peripheral immune tolerance, highlighting the role of regulatory T cells and the FOXP3 gene, which is revolutionary for autoimmune diseases and cancer therapy.

Que 2: Why is the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine significant for India, as it addresses which of the following health challenges?

1. A) Infectious diseases like tuberculosis
   B) Autoimmune diseases affecting millions of Indians
   C) cardiovascular diseases
   D) Malnutrition and anemia

Correct Answer: B) Autoimmune diseases affecting millions of Indians

Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize is related to the discovery of peripheral immune tolerance, which aids in understanding and treating autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, type-1 diabetes). Approximately 5-7% of India’s population (NFHS-5 data) is affected by these diseases, making this discovery relevant for Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission.