Appreciating their contribution
in Medicine and Psychology, three eminent scientists were given due credit in
2011 and Nobel Prize was awarded to them. It is a matter of pride to note that
two among them were previously grantees of The American Cancer Society. Cancer center Tulsa appreciates their
significant works towards cancer research. Below are some of their works and
research modalities.
Dr. Bruce Beutler – The innate immunity theory
As an established scientist, Dr.
Bruce Beutler is a professor at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego,
California expressing his proficiency in Genetics and Immunology. To develop and research studies related to the
activation of innate immunity he was granted The Research Opportunity Grant for
$120,000 in 1992 for an year to further
delve into research findings to support his study. The study was about TNF
synthesis in cancer. Dr Jules Hoffman
who is the Head of a laboratory in Strasburg France also helped me in this
theory. The research was done only after six years of receiving the grant from
the American Cancer Society.
Dr Beutler and his team
researched on receptor proteins and how it can identify entrants in the human
body like bacterial microorganisms. The theory is known as innate immunity and
came to light in 1998. There were more efforts to support this theory and
progress it to a higher level. The aim was to develop vaccines against
infections. The final result would be successful in curing diseases like curing
rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Stimulating immune cells with the help of receptors, agents were researched to
support the fight against cancer.
Nobel Laureate - Dr. Ralph M. Steinman
Belonging to the Rockefeller
University, Dr Dr. Ralph M. Steinman was awarded The Nobel Laureate towards his
active progression in research work on cancer. To support his research he was
awarded a grant of $ 75,000 in the year 1999. His theory involved research on
dendritic cells and he mediated an immunization method. Just prior to 3 days of
the announcement of the Nobel Laureate award by the Committee, he breathed his
last due to pancreatic cancer on September 30.
He perceived that the new cells
know as Dendritic cells were important to the immune system and this was
recognized in 1970. After going through a series of criticism, he finally was
credited with recognition. His efforts were appreciated and instills so much
hope for other diseases too and startinga phased combat against cancer that is
affecting so many people.The T cells were responsible to cause certain
responses of the dendritic cells. He professed that T cells contributed towards
adaptive immunity and were capable towards immunologic memory affecting several
substances. Finally, FDA approved the vaccine Provenge that was used to support
prostate cancer. The postulates of immunity of dendritic cells was believed to
initiate this vaccine.
The hard work of Dr. Beutler and
Dr. Steinman is the stepping-stone for future works to be carried out in the
fight against cancer and boost immunity in the human system.
