Peter Doherty (immunologist)

Professor Peter C Doherty

Australian immunologist and Nobel laureate

Peter Doherty

Birth name	Peter Charles Doherty
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Nationality	Australian
Known for	Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1996)
Awards	Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1996)

Peter Charles Doherty (born 15 October 1940) is an Australian immunologist and Nobel Prize laureate. He is best known for his pioneering research in the field of immunology, particularly his work on how the immune system recognizes virus-infected cells.

Early life and education

Peter Doherty was born in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) degree at the University of Queensland in 1962. He later earned a PhD in veterinary science from the same university in 1970.

Career

Doherty's career in immunology began with his research on the immune response to viral infections. He worked at various institutions, including the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University and the Waller Research Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1988, Doherty joined the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where he continued his groundbreaking research. He later became a professor at the University of Melbourne.

Nobel Prize

In 1996, Peter Doherty was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Rolf M. Zinkernagel for their discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell-mediated immune defense. Their research demonstrated how T cells recognize virus-infected cells, which was a significant advancement in the understanding of the immune system.

Later work and recognition

Doherty has authored several books on science and the immune system, including "The Beginner's Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize" and "Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know." He continues to be an active voice in the scientific community, advocating for science education and research.

Personal life

Peter Doherty is married and has children. He is also known for his interest in Australian rules football and is a supporter of the Melbourne Football Club.

See also

• Immunology
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• T cell
• Virus