Jean Dausset

Jean Dausset 2005

Jean Dausset (19 October 1916 – 6 June 2009) was a French immunologist who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1980 for his discovery of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. This discovery was crucial for the development of modern organ transplantation and immunogenetics, making Dausset one of the pioneers in the field.

Early Life and Education

Jean Dausset was born in Toulouse, France. He began his medical studies at the University of Paris, where he developed an interest in hematology and immunology. After completing his medical degree, Dausset served as a doctor in the French Army during World War II, an experience that exposed him to the challenges of blood transfusions and sparked his interest in antigens and immune responses.

Career and Research

After the war, Dausset returned to Paris and joined the National Blood Transfusion Center. It was here that he began his groundbreaking research into leukocyte antigens. In 1958, Dausset identified the first leukocyte antigen, which he named MAC. This discovery was the foundation of the HLA system, which is critical for understanding the immune system's behavior, especially in the context of organ transplants and autoimmune diseases.

Dausset's work laid the groundwork for typing HLA antigens, which is essential for matching organ donors and recipients, significantly reducing the risk of rejection in transplant surgery. His research also had profound implications for the study of diseases associated with the HLA system, including certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

In addition to his Nobel Prize, Dausset received numerous other awards and honors for his contributions to science, including the Wolf Prize in Medicine and the Gairdner Foundation International Award. He was also a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including the French Academy of Sciences.

Later Life and Legacy

Jean Dausset continued to work and teach until his retirement, after which he remained active in the scientific community. He founded the Human Polymorphism Study Center (CEPH) in Paris, which played a crucial role in the development of the Human Genome Project.

Dausset's legacy is not only in his scientific discoveries but also in his contributions to the ethical considerations of genetic research. He was a proponent of responsible science and the need for ethical guidelines in genetic testing and research.

Jean Dausset passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the fields of immunology, genetics, and medicine.

See Also

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Organ transplantation
• Immunogenetics
• Human Genome Project