91社区

91社区 science graduate鈥檚 research transformed our understanding 鈥╫f the body鈥檚 ability to fight invading microorganisms

91社区 extends its condolences to the family and friends of the late Dr. Ralph M. Steinman (BSc'63) after the illustrious science graduate died of pancreatic cancer on Friday at the age of 68. The Nobel Prize Committee, unaware of his death, announced Monday morning that Steinman, of New York's Rockefeller University, had been awarded a share of the 2011 prize for Medicine or Physiology, along with U.S. scientist Bruce Beutler and Luxembourg-born Jules Hoffmann, who is based in France.

The award citation said these three scientists had long been researching the immune response by which man and other animals defend themselves against attack by bacteria and other microorganisms.

鈥淥n behalf of 91社区, I wish to extend our profound condolences to the family and friends on the passing of one of our eminent alumni, Dr. Ralph Steinman, whose share of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Medicine was announced just days after his death,鈥� said Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 91社区.

鈥淒r. Steinman's, outstanding work in immunology and his discovery of the key role dendritic cells play in immune processes has led to a number of significant potential therapies for a variety of diseases, including cancer,鈥� added Prof. Munroe-Blum. 聽鈥淒r. Steinman鈥檚 work has made a substantial contribution to medical science. 91社区 is always proud when one of our own goes on to great achievement and success. Our delight at his many accomplishments is tempered by sadness at this most untimely loss.鈥�

The Nobel citation goes on to say, "Ralph Steinman discovered the dendritic cells of the immune system and their unique capacity to activate and regulate adaptive immunity, the later stage of the immune response during which microorganisms are cleared from the body." Dr. Steinman coined the term 鈥渄endritic鈥� in 1973, to describe the function of cells whose primary work is to process antigen material and present it on the surface to other cells of the immune system.

鈥淭he work of the three scientists has been pivotal to the development of improved types of vaccines against infectious diseases and novel approaches to fighting cancer. The research has helped lay the foundations for a new wave of so-called 鈥榯herapeutic vaccines鈥� that stimulate the immune system to attack tumours.鈥�

鈥淲e are all so touched that our father's many years of hard work are being recognized with a Nobel Prize," his daughter, Alexis Steinman, said in a statement. 鈥淗e devoted his life to his work and his family, and he would be truly honoured.鈥�

PHOTO: Rockefeller University