The Nobel Prize in Medicine is awarded, here are the achievements of the scientists

This year's Nobel Prize in Medicine goes to Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (both Americans) and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan).

Their discoveries on a form of immune tolerance, a greatly reduced response of the immune system to certain triggers, were recognized, announced the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

The most important reward for doctors is worth 11 million Swedish kronor (about one million Swiss francs).

The three researchers' discoveries have laid the foundation for a new field of research and have led to the development of new treatment methods, for example for cancer and autoimmune diseases, according to the statement. Specifically, they focus on the mechanisms that prevent the immune system from damaging the body.

The laureates identified the immune system's safety mechanisms, regulatory T cells, which prevent immune cells from attacking the body.

"We now understand better how the immune system works and why not everyone develops a severe autoimmune disease," explained Olle Kämpe, chairman of the Nobel Committee./Indeksonline/