Brigitte Askonas

Brigitte Askonas

Brigitte Askonas (1 April 1923 – 9 January 2013) was a British immunologist known for her pioneering work in the field of immunology. She made significant contributions to the understanding of the immune system, particularly in the areas of B cells and T cells.

Early Life and Education

Brigitte Alice Askonas was born in Vienna, Austria, and later moved to Canada with her family. She attended McGill University in Montreal, where she earned a degree in biochemistry. She then pursued her doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, where she completed her PhD in 1952.

Career

After completing her PhD, Askonas joined the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in London. At NIMR, she worked in the Division of Immunology, where she conducted groundbreaking research on the immune response to infections. Her work on the differentiation and function of B cells and T cells was instrumental in advancing the field of immunology.

Research Contributions

Askonas's research focused on the mechanisms by which the immune system responds to pathogens. She was particularly interested in the role of antibodies and the cellular interactions that lead to their production. Her studies on B cell activation and the role of helper T cells in antibody production provided critical insights into the adaptive immune response.

One of her notable achievements was the identification of memory B cells, which are responsible for the long-term immunity following an infection or vaccination. This discovery has had a profound impact on the development of vaccines and immunotherapies.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Brigitte Askonas received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1973, one of the highest honors a scientist in the United Kingdom can receive. She was also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations and received honorary degrees from various universities.

Personal Life

Brigitte Askonas was known for her dedication to science and her mentorship of young scientists. She was passionate about encouraging women to pursue careers in science and was an advocate for gender equality in the scientific community.

Legacy

Brigitte Askonas's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of immunology. Her research has paved the way for new treatments and vaccines that have saved countless lives. She is remembered as a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to our understanding of the immune system.

See Also

• Immunology
• B cells
• T cells
• National Institute for Medical Research
• Fellow of the Royal Society